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Related Experiment Videos

Plasma tryptophan, age and depression.

D A Phipps, C Powell

    Age and Ageing
    |March 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary

    This study found that total tryptophan levels significantly increase with depression in older adults, unlike some findings in younger populations. Age also impacts total tryptophan levels, a novel association.

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    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Gerontology
    • Psychiatry

    Background:

    • Plasma tryptophan levels are implicated in mood regulation.
    • Previous research on tryptophan and depression has yielded conflicting results, particularly across different age groups.
    • Age-related changes in tryptophan metabolism are not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between age and plasma tryptophan levels (total and free).
    • To examine plasma tryptophan levels in elderly depressed subjects compared to non-depressed controls.
    • To compare findings in elderly depressed individuals with existing literature on younger depressed populations.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of plasma samples from 131 healthy individuals (aged 17-102) and 22 elderly depressed subjects (aged >70).
    • Quantification of both total and free tryptophan concentrations.
    • Statistical analysis to assess variations with age and depression status.

    Main Results:

    • A significant association was identified between age and total tryptophan levels.
    • Elderly depressed subjects exhibited a significant increase in total plasma tryptophan.
    • A non-significant trend towards increased free plasma tryptophan was observed in depressed subjects.

    Conclusions:

    • Total plasma tryptophan levels show variation with age, an association not previously described.
    • In contrast to some studies in younger individuals, depression in the elderly is associated with increased total plasma tryptophan.
    • These findings suggest age-specific alterations in tryptophan metabolism related to depression.

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