Effects of Different Protein Sources on Amino Acid Absorption and Plasma Appearance of Tryptophan, Large Neutral Amino Acids, and Tryptophan Metabolites in Pigs.

Background: Absorption of tryptophan (TRP) across the gut epithelium is potentially modulated by competing large neutral amino acids (LNAAs), which could affect the appearance of TRP and its metabolites in the bloodstream.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine, in a growing pig model of an adult human, the absorption of TRP and other LNAAs from the gastrointestinal tract, and plasma appearance of TRP, LNAAs, and TRP metabolites, in response to dietary proteins varying in TRP content.

Methods: Pigs were adapted for 7 d to each of 4 diets that differed in their protein source and TRP content: 1) alpha-lactalbumin (AL; 9.

Blood-based mitochondrial respiratory chain function in major depression.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD). A measure of mitochondrial respiratory chain (RC) enzymatic activity-the Mitochondrial Health Index (MHI)-has previously been found to correlate with stress and emotional states in caregivers. We here report mitochondrial RC activities, mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), and the composite MHI in unmedicated and somatically healthy subjects with MDD (n = 47) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 11).