Abstract
Epidemiologic studies strongly associate eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) with ingestion of tryptophan containing a contaminant ("peak E"). Prior reports have suggested that peak E is the di-tryptophan N alpha-animal of acetaldehyde. Spectral and chemical studies now demonstrate that peak E is 1,1'-ethylidenebis[tryptophan]. This novel amino acid may be the etiological agent responsible for EMS, or it may be a marker of a still unidentified causal agent.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Eosinophilia / chemically induced*
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Humans
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Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
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Molecular Structure
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Muscles*
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Pain / chemically induced*
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Spectrometry, Mass, Fast Atom Bombardment
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Syndrome
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Tryptophan / analogs & derivatives*
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Tryptophan / isolation & purification
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Tryptophan / toxicity*
Substances
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1,1'-ethylidene bis(tryptophan)
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Tryptophan