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Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Tryptophan Metabolism
Summary
This review examines how environmental pollutants, including microplastics and nanoplastics, can disrupt the metabolism of tryptophan, an essential amino acid involved in producing neurotransmitters and regulating the immune system. Researchers found that exposure to these contaminants can alter tryptophan pathways in ways that affect the nervous system, digestive health, and even pregnancy outcomes. The study highlights an important but underexplored mechanism by which plastic pollution may affect human health at the molecular level.
Tryptophan (Trp) is an important essential amino acid that plays a variety of physiological functions in the human body, including being a precursor of neurotransmitter and participating in immune regulation. Currently, more and more studies show that some pollutants in the environment can affect the metabolism of Trp and consequently affect human health. The present paper offers a comprehensive overview of prior research investigating the impact of environmental pollutants, including inorganic and organic contaminants, microplastics, and nanoplastics on the nervous system, immune system, digestive system, and maternal-fetal pregnancy, revealing their detrimental effects on Trp metabolism and human well-being.
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