The Role of Serotoninomics in Neuropsychiatric Diseases: Anthranilic Acid in Schizophrenia

Serotoninomics is an expanding field that focuses on the comprehensive study of the serotoninergic system, including serotonin’s biosynthesis, metabolism, and regulation, as well as related scientific methodologies (5-HT). This field explores serotonin’s intricate roles in various physiological and pathological contexts. The essential amino acid tryptophan (Trp) is a precursor for several metabolic and catabolic pathways, with the kynurenine (KYN) pathway being particularly significant, representing about 95% of Trp metabolism. In contrast, only a small portion (1%-2%) of dietary Trp enters the serotonin pathway. Anthranilic acid (AA), a metabolite in the KYN pathway, has emerged as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for schizophrenia. Elevated serum AA levels in patients with schizophrenia have been associated with neurotoxic effects and disruptions in neurotransmission, suggesting a critical role of AA in the disease’s pathophysiology. Furthermore, the involvement of the 5-HT2A receptor is particularly noteworthy, especially in the paranoid subtype of schizophrenia. Recent findings indicate that hyperactivity of the 5-HT2A receptor is linked to positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. This study investigates serotoninomics’ implications for neuropsychiatric diseases, focusing on AA in schizophrenia and analysing recent research on serotonin signalling pathways and AA’s neurochemical effects. Understanding the roles of the 5-HT2A receptor and AA in neuropsychiatric disorders could lead to the development of more precise and less invasive diagnostic tools, specific therapeutic strategies, and improved clinical outcomes. Ongoing research is essential to uncover the exact mechanisms and therapeutic potential of these pathways, thereby advancing personalised medicine and innovative treatments in neuropsychiatry.