Tryptophan supplements promote pregnancy success in mice challenged with pseudorabies virus (PRV) by regulating the expression of systemic cytokines, immunoglobulins, PRV-specific protein profiles, and toll-like receptors

J Med Food. 2011 Jul-Aug;14(7-8):857-65. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2010.1146. Epub 2011 Jun 11.

Abstract

Tryptophan (Trp) plays an important role in regulating the maternal immune response, a key determinant of the success or failure of pregnancy, but whether Trp supplements can prevent a pseudorabies virus (PRV)-induced failure of pregnancy remains unknown. This study examined the effect of three dietary Trp levels (0.25%, 0.35%, and 0.5%) on the immunity and reproduction of PRV-challenged pregnant mice. PRV challenge resulted in decreased live embryo numbers, live litter sizes, and serum progesterone and interleukin (IL)-10 concentrations, but increased the levels of serum immunoglobulins (Igs) (PRV-specific antibody [IgG, IgA, and IgM]) and IL-1β. Live embryo numbers, live litter sizes, serum progesterone concentration, and IgG and PRV-specific antibody levels on day 9 of pregnancy were all increased dose-dependently by Trp inclusion in the diet of PRV-challenged mice. Increased Trp levels in PRV-challenged mice promoted the up-regulation of uterine and embryonic indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expression, but attenuated the up-regulation of uterine and embryonic Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 and TLR9 expression and increased serum interferon-γ concentration. Collectively, Trp supplements might improve reproductive performance of PRV-challenged pregnant mice by down-regulating TLR expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis, by up-regulating PRV-specific antibody and immunoglobulin synthesis, and by elevating the concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines and progesterone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Dietary Supplements / analysis
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Herpesvirus 1, Suid / immunology*
  • Herpesvirus 1, Suid / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / genetics
  • Immunoglobulins / immunology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / immunology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / virology
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Toll-Like Receptors / genetics*
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology*
  • Tryptophan / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Tryptophan