Tryptophan pathway metabolite profiling from plasma or serum by LC-MS/MS for scientific research applications.
7 metabolites
3–5 working days
This research panel quantifies seven key metabolites of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, providing insight into immune activation, neuroinflammation, and serotonin metabolism for scientific research.
Clinical indications include:
7 metabolites including tryptophan, kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, anthranilic acid, and picolinic acid.
Tryptophan metabolite panels measure multiple compounds along the kynurenine and serotonin pathways. Key analytes include:
| Analyte | Pathway | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptophan | Precursor | Essential amino acid; substrate for both serotonin and kynurenine pathways |
| Serotonin (5-HT) | Serotonin pathway | Neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, and appetite regulation |
| Kynurenine | Kynurenine pathway | Primary metabolite of tryptophan via IDO/TDO enzyme activity |
| Kynurenic acid | Kynurenine pathway | Neuroprotective metabolite; NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Quinolinic acid | Kynurenine pathway | Neurotoxic metabolite; NMDA receptor agonist |
| 5-HIAA | Serotonin pathway | Serotonin metabolite; reflects serotonin turnover |
The kynurenine:tryptophan ratio indicates immune activation and inflammation — elevated ratios are seen in depression, chronic fatigue, and neuroinflammation.
Reference ranges are provided for each metabolite in your report. The ratios between metabolites often carry more clinical significance than absolute values.
Tryptophan metabolite testing is recommended for:
Evidence-based strategies for supporting healthy tryptophan metabolism:
Diet:
Supplements:
Lifestyle:
Re-test tryptophan metabolites after 8–12 weeks of targeted intervention.
All seven metabolites are quantified simultaneously by isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS from plasma or serum, providing the sensitivity required to measure low-abundance metabolites in the kynurenine pathway.
From enquiry to results — a straightforward process.
This test is available to healthcare professionals, wellness brands, clinics, and research institutions worldwide. We currently serve partners in:
Whether you need testing services for your patients, white-label kits for your brand, or method transfer to your own laboratory — get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid metabolised via two main pathways: the serotonin pathway (producing serotonin and melatonin) and the kynurenine pathway (producing neuroactive and immunomodulatory compounds). This test profiles metabolites across both pathways.
Imbalances in the kynurenine:serotonin ratio are associated with depression, neuroinflammation, and immune activation. The test provides insight into neurotransmitter synthesis and inflammatory status.
Venous blood draw into plasma or serum tubes by a healthcare professional.
Results are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days from the time your sample arrives at our laboratory. The analysis is performed by LC-MS/MS.
Depression and mood disorders, chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurodegenerative diseases where kynurenine pathway activation plays a role.
Masdiag's tryptophan metabolites test is available worldwide through our partner network. We currently serve healthcare professionals, wellness brands, and clinics in Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Contact us to discuss testing services, white-label kits, or method transfer to your laboratory.
Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.