Levels of tryptophan and conduct Keywords: tryptophan, healthy adult, serotonin, impulsivity Levels of serotonin at central level are

involved in several problematic impulsive behaviors. Modulation of brain concentrations of 5-HT is a suitable target to regulate behaviors and related pathological disorders. A balanced diet provides the precursors of the 5-HT needed for normal body functioning. In preclinical studies change in 5-HT levels affect impulsivity initiation of response and sensitivity but not inhibited response to impulsivity. As a result is suggested the involvement of other biological processes in this component of the impulsivity. 5-HT levels can be altered in various ways, some of these are: pharmacological treatment, appropriate management of circadian rhythm, the formation of healthy lifestyle habits, moderate daytime exposure to light sources (especially blue light), consumption of foods rich in tryptophan, etc. There is substantial evidence of preclinical and clinical studies where they emphasize the role of serotonin (5-HT) in the expression of impulsive behaviors. Despite the strong evidence of the correlation of indicators for the synthesis of serotonin with impulsive behaviors, data from associative studies are considered a unusefulness for making causal inferences. Unlike associative clinical experiments, the preclinical have the feature of review causal relationships of the 5-HT in the impulsiveness through the modulation of 5-HT system. Researchers found reduced levels of 5-HT in association with a wide variety of alteration as impulsive behavior, alcohol and psychotropic substances abuse, suicidal thoughts, aggressive, violent behaviors and borderline personality disorder. It is impossible to adopt preclinical methods in humans due to many constraints, for example the lack of verification of its effectiveness (dietary restriction), prominent unacceptable side effects (using paraclorofenilalanina) either on ethical grounds (manipulation of genes). Modulation of 5-HT levels through modification of its precursor intake of amino acid tryptophan (Trp) is considered a suitable method. Consumption of a Trp-free formulation includes the proper dose of amino acids with two principal related consequences: i) protein synthesis and

incorporation of Trp increased with a substantially decrease on plasmatic levels of Trp, and ii) reduction in effective competition of Trp with other neutral amino acids (eg isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and valine) for transport to the CNS. In opposition, a balanced formulation produces normal concentrations of circulating Trp and maintains physiological levels in the synthesis of 5-HT. These food formulations are a safe and effective method to study the causal relationship between a decrease in the 5-HT and the conduct of impulsivity in humans. Impulsivity is a complex multidimensional construct historically difficult to measure. It is characterized by the predisposition towards the rapid reaction without planning, in response to external stimuli without considering the negative consequences of these reactions to individual drive or towards others. This construct includes at least three measurable components: 1) the presence of rapid responses prior to complete processing and evaluation of the stimulus (response initiation); (2) shortcomings in the inhibition of a response previously initiated (diminished response inhibition); (and 3) persistent elections aimed at retribution by insignificant rewards provided in shorter periods, despite the availability of better late fees (sensitivity to the result). Fig 1 Components of impulsivity. There is evidence suitable for the assessment of these different aspects of impulsivity. In the clinical study of Dougherty D. M. et al. 2010 the main objective is to determine the extent in which a acute decrease of Trp produces changes in impulsivity and if the decline of the amino acid has differential effects on the individual components of impulsivity. The revised study found differences in impulsivity components in healthy participants attributed to the effect of an acute decrease of Trp and changes in brain 5-HT levels. The experimental results suggest an important role to 5-HT in response to the mechanism underlying in the initiation of impulsivity and sensibility to reward. However, a minor contribution in mechanisms to manage the answer to inhibition. This latter may involve deficit at levels of adrenaline and dopamine, consistent with experimental data from other studies.

In conclusion, the trial demonstrates the selective production of differences in the impulse response of healthy subjects due to the sharp decrease of Trp. Associated with the ingestion of a diet free of the precursor of 5-HT and evaluated through the use of reliable laboratory tests of the components of impulsivity. The practical aspect involves the prevention of behavioral problems, the consumption of a normal, varied and balanced diet rich in dairy food, tuna, turkey, chicken meat, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and healthy living habits.

Journal reference Dougherty D. M., Richard D. M., James L. M. and Mathias C. W. (2010). Effects of Acute Tryptophan Depletion on Three Different Types of Behavioral Impulsivity. International Journal of Tryptophan Research . 3, 99-111. http://www.la-press.com.