Plasma tryptophan-kynurenine metabolites are altered in human immunodeficiency virus infection and associated with progression of carotid artery atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background It is unknown whether disrupted tryptophan catabolism is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. Methods Plasma tryptophan and kynurenic acid were measured in 737 women and men (520 HIV+, 217 HIV?) from the Women's Interagency HIV Study and the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. Repeated B-mode carotid artery ultrasound imaging was obtained from 2004 through 2013. We examined associations of baseline tryptophan, kynurenic acid, and kynurenic acid-to-tryptophan (KYNA/TRP) ratio, with risk of carotid plaque. Results After a 7-year follow-up, 112 participants developed carotid plaque. Compared to those without HIV infection, HIV-infected participants had lower tryptophan (P