Comparison of Age and Gender Differences of Tryptophan Metabolites in Patients of Major Monopolar and Bipolar Depression

Abstract

Background: No research has been done for the determination of plasma levels of tryptophan metabolites in patients of monopolar and bipolar depression. Methods: Ultra high-speed liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry has been used for the simultaneous determination of plasma levels of tryptophan metabolites in depressive patients. Results: No significant age and gender differences were shown in monopolar depressive patients and some differences were shown in bipolar patients. The administration of drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers do not seem to have affected the results. Conclusion: In patients of major monopolar depression age and gender differences of plasma levels of tryptophan metabolites disappear although significant differences are observed in healthy volunteers. Some differences of age and gender differences were shown between monopolar and bipolar depressive patients.