[The role of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in neuropathic pain].

The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the main metabolic pathway of tryptophan in the diet. Existing research has shown that KP plays a key role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. It has been demonstrated that kynurenine metabolic enzymes, such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and kynurenine monooxygenase (KMO), are involved in various types of pain, particularly the occurrence and development of neuropathic pain. This article reviewed the role of KP, metabolites and enzymes, as well as the analgesic effects and mechanisms of KP in neuropathic pain, providing reference for the application of KP in the basic research and clinical treatment of neuropathic pain.