Understanding tryptophan metabolism in healthy young adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates how tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is metabolized in healthy young adults. It aims to develop a method to measure the breakdown products of tryptophan, particularly during immune activation, which may have implications for preterm infants receiving total parenteral nutrition. By examining the competition between the kynurenine and serotonin pathways, the study seeks to clarify how tryptophan metabolism can affect neurological health. Participants will be monitored for their metabolic responses to controlled tryptophan intake.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Consent provided
2. Aged 18 to 45 years old (inclusive)
3. In good general health as evidenced by medical history, physical health and biochemistry
4. Fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), urea, creatinine and CRP levels within normal ranges for age.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of chronic disease and/or acute illness known to affect protein/amino acid metabolism (e.g. HIV, diabetes, cancer, liver or kidney disease, neurological conditions including depression and anxiety, hypo- / hyperthyroidism, inflammatory conditions,, anemia, acute cold or flu)
2. Taking medications known to affect protein/AA metabolism (e.g. steroids, anti-inflammatory medications, acetaminophen, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI))
3. Inability to tolerate the diet (i.e. allergy)
4. Significant weight loss during the past month or consumption of weight reducing diets.
5. Significant caffeine consumption (\>2 cups per day)
6. Significant consumption of alcohol (\>1 drink per day i.e. 1 beer or ½ glass of wine).
7. Unwilling to have blood drawn from a venous access or using a ventilated hood indirect calorimeter for the purposes of the study.

Where it's running

• The Hospital for Sick Children
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Glenda Courtney-Martin, PhD, RD — The Hospital for Sick Children
• Study coordinator: Nisha Pai, MSc, RD
• Email: nisha.pai@sickkids.ca
• Phone: 289-208-4990

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.