Aim of the thesis is to give an overview of tryptophan metabolism and present the impact of tryptophan’s metabolites on the functions of the human body. L-tryptophan is one of the eight essential amino acids that cannot be synthesised within the human body and its only source is appropriate diet. Beside the adequate daily intake of tryptophan, many other factors affecting the increase or decrease of free tryptophan that crosses the blood-brain barrier have to be taken into account. In the EU, tryptophan can be sold as a dietary supplement that is completely safe to use. However, if the daily intake exceeds the recommended levels, some individuals may develop the so called serotonin syndrome. To a small extent, the amino acid tryptophane is incorporated into proteins of the human body and is a precursor of numerous bioactive molecules. It also transforms into serotonin, melatonin and metabolites of the kynurenine pathway during enzyme-catalyzed reactions. The molecules that develop inside tryptophan metabolism have a hormonal and immunomodulatory function. This is why tryptophane has an important impact on the functioning of different organs, various psychological conditions and inflammation processes of the organism. Researchers have made a significant step forward in understanding metabolism, mainly through research on the brain gut microbiota axis that has a direct and indirect impact on the functions of the central nervous system.
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