Reference range for plasma tryptophan, kynurenine, serotonin and 5HIAA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and optimisation of an LC-MS/MS method for the measurement of plasma tryptophan, kynurenine, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and the determination of a healthy population reference range
IRAS ID
246437
Contact name
Andrew Davison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Neuroendocrine tumours are rare tissue masses found in the neuroendocrine system which consists of nerve and gland cells. Some of these tumours produce abnormally large amounts of substances such as chemical messengers known as hormones. Such tumours originating in the appendix and small bowel secrete excessive amounts of one particular hormone known as serotonin when they have spread to the liver. Release of a large amount of serotonin into the blood can result in carcinoid syndrome, a condition which is characterised by symptoms such as flushing, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and a fast heart rate. Serotonin in the blood is broken down to 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the liver which then leaves the body in the urine.
Aims:
(1) Establish and evaluate a laboratory test that enables quantification of serotonin, 5-HIAA and related compounds tryptophan and kynurenine
(2) To establish a healthy population reference range for plasma tryptophan, serotonin, kynurenine and 5-HIAA in blood samples taken from healthy volunteers.Two blood samples will be obtained from healthy volunteers and patients with carcinoid syndrome. National guidance regarding the development of the laboratory test will be used. Normal reference ranges will be established for tryptophan, serotonin, kynurenine and 5-HIAA in accordance with published guidelines.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0301
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion