3-Indolepropionic acid

3-Indolepropionic acid (also known as IPA or indole-3-propionic acid) is a deamination product of tryptophan metabolism by gut microbiota. It is a potent neuroprotective antioxidant and has been identified as an endogenous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist.

Metabolism

3-Indolepropionic acid is produced in the human gut by the bacterial species Clostridium sporogenes and Peptostreptococcus from dietary tryptophan. The production of 3-Indolepropionic acid is dependent on the presence of these specific bacteria in the gut microbiota and the availability of dietary tryptophan.

Biological Activity

3-Indolepropionic acid has been shown to have neuroprotective effects. It is a potent antioxidant, capable of scavenging hydroxyl radicals and suppressing lipid peroxidation. It has been suggested that 3-Indolepropionic acid may have potential therapeutic applications in conditions characterized by oxidative stress, such as Alzheimer's disease.

In addition to its antioxidant properties, 3-Indolepropionic acid is an endogenous agonist of PPARγ, a nuclear receptor that plays a key role in the regulation of lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and inflammation. Activation of PPARγ by 3-Indolepropionic acid may contribute to its neuroprotective effects.

Clinical Significance

Studies have suggested that higher levels of 3-Indolepropionic acid in the gut may be associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. This is thought to be due to the role of 3-Indolepropionic acid in regulating glucose homeostasis through its activation of PPARγ.

In addition, 3-Indolepropionic acid has been proposed as a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease due to its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.

See Also

• Tryptophan
• Gut microbiota
• Antioxidant
• Alzheimer's disease
• Diabetes