This volume contains the proceedings of the Ninth Meeting of the "International Study Group for Tryptophan Research" (lSTRY), held at the University of Hamburg, Germany, from October 10 to 14, 1998. At this meeting the recent developments in the field of tryptophan research were presented by leading researchers from all over the world in 81 oral and 48 poster contri butions. Research on tryptophan and its derivatives provides an inexhaustible subject. At the conference we tried to compose a multifacetted picture of the recent investiga tions through contributions from the major disciplines involved. Thus, we tried to strike a balance between basic research topics and clinical, nutritional or industrial applica tions. We offered workshops on tryptophan (in sleep and mood), melatonjn, IDO-acti vation and the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) as a platform for intensive discussion for the participants. In these proceedings many contributions are multidisciplinary and have practical or theoretical implications for different research fields. Hence, we have organized this volume in nine main chapters according to basic disciplines and subjects. We are aware that this classification is artificial, but we hope that it is the best compromise for contributors and readers.

This volume contains the proceedings of the Tenth International Meeting of the International Study Group for Tryptophan Research (ISTR V), held at the University of Padova, Padova, Italy, from 25-29 June, 2002 under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) in Roma, the University of Padova, the Italian Chemical Society - Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, the Veneto Region and the City of Padova. The meeting was organized to cover the recent developments in the field of tryptophan research. Weare very honoured that so many speakers accepted our invitation to give plenary lectures which, with the other communications, demonstrated the high scientific value of the Meeting. The publications in this volume are subdivided into nine main chapters, and cover all the major aspects in immunology, neurobiology, psychiatry, pathology, clinics, metabolism, enzymology, pharmacology, toxicology, melatonin, exercise and analytical chemistry. The volume includes the contributions of 325 scientists from 24 countries, and the Musajo Memorial Lecture delivered by Prof. Osamu Hayaishi during the Opening Ceremony.

Nutrient Metabolism defines the molecular fate of nutrients and other dietary compounds in humans, as well as outlining the molecular basis of processes supporting nutrition, such as chemical sensing and appetite control. It focuses on the presentation of nutritional biochemistry; and the reader is given a clear and specific perspective on the events that control utilization of dietary compounds. Slightly over 100 self-contained chapters cover all essential and important nutrients as well as many other dietary compounds with relevance for human health. An essential read for healthcare professionals and researchers in all areas of health and nutrition who want to access the wealth of nutrition knowledge available today in one single source.Key Features* Highly illustrated with relevant chemical structures and metabolic pathways* Foreword by Steven Zeisel, Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry* First comprehensive work on the subject

It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. However, the evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop on such topics as, the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function, alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection, the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.

This volume assists practicing mental health professionals in expanding their knowledge about nutritional and herbal interventions that can be attempted as alternatives to prescription medications. Designed to provide guidance for non-medical caregivers treating children and adolescents who present with emotional and/or behavioral difficulties such as such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, distractibility, and other psychological and psychiatric disorders, the volume provides a comprehensive discussion of naturopathic solutions based on existing research. In areas where research is not extensive, conclusions are provided about potentially beneficial effects based on the specific pharmacologic action of the compounds. Dosage for specific age groups, schedules of administration, dietary considerations (i.e., whether or not to take the supplement with food), monitoring for response and adverse effects, signs of dangerous reactions, and the need to control interactions with other compounds (i.e., prescription medications) are thoroughly reviewed with regard to each supplement discussed in the book. - Reviews specific psychological disorders (i.e. ADHD, depression, mania, anxiety, sleep difficulties, tic behaviors and autism) and the available data about their treatment with the use of nutritional and herbal supplements - Provides rationale for the use of every specific compound with detailed recommendations tailored for each age group with regard to the dosage, frequency of administration, possible dangers and monitoring for side effects - Discusses claims of efficacy used to market various products and ground those claims within fully vetted scientific research - Discusses neurobiology, pharmacodynamics and pharmokinetics in detailed but accessible language *Non-medical clinicians with limited knowledge of medicine and pharmacology come away with understanding of key issues involved in - Fully covers assessment, diagnosis & treatment of children and adolescents, focusing on evidence-based practices *Consolidates broadly distributed literature into single source and specifically relates evidence-based tools to practical treatment, saving clinicians time in obtaining and translating information and improving the level of care they can provide - Detailed how-to explanation of practical evidence-based treatment techniques *Gives reader firm grasp of how to more effectively treat patients - Material related to diversity (including race, ethnicity, gender and social class) integrated into each chapter *Prepares readers for treating the wide range of youth they will encounter in practice

The link between the pineal gland and cancer is a rapidly emerging research field due to promising experimental and clinical trials with melatonin. The pineal gland acts as a transducer of environmental light to regulate rhythmic processes, including reproductive function in seasonally breeding animals and the entrainment of circadian rhythms, such as the sleep-wake cycle, in man. This book elucidates the physiological significance of the pineal gland and surveys phenomena and mechanisms of pineal - tumor interaction at the neuroendocrine, neuroimmune, neural, and molecular levels. Yet unidentified low-molecular-weight pineal substances with tumor-inhibiting capacity, a possible involvement of melatonin in electromagnetic field effects on cancer, and the oncotherapeutic potential of melatonin are also addressed. The encouraging results should incite further research to elucidate the exact nature of the link between the pineal gland and cancer for the benefit of patients.

Tryptophan (1-tryptophan) is an essential amino acid necessary for the production of serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan can soothe nerves and anxiety, reduce carbohydrate cravings, relieve premenstrual symptoms, and enhance relaxation and sleep. By helping to boost serotonin production, tryptophan can be used as an adjunct therapy in relieving depression. Unavailable in the U.S. market until recently, tryptophan is back so you can once again take advantage of its wonderful soothing mood-lifting properties.

It’s remarkable how much the foods we eat can impact our brain chemistry and emotions. What and when we eat can make the difference between feeling anxious and staying calm and in control. But most of us don’t realize how much our diets influence our moods, thoughts, and feelings until we make a change. In The Antianxiety Food Solution, you’ll find four unique antianxiety diets designed to help you address nutritional deficiencies that may be at the root of your anxiety and enjoy the many foods that foster increased emotional balance. This helpful guide allows you to choose the best plan for you and incorporates effective anxiety-busting foods and nutrients. You’ll soon be on the path to freeing yourself from anxiety—and enjoying an improved overall mood, better sleep, fewer cravings, and optimal health—the natural way! The book also includes an easy-to-use index. In The Antianxiety Food Solution, you’ll discover: How to assess your diet for anxiety-causing and anxiety-calming foods and nutrients Foods and nutrients that balance your brain chemistry Which anxiety-triggering foods and drinks you may need to avoid Easy lifestyle changes that reduce anxiety and increase happiness

This book discusses the relationship between cellular immunity and tryptophan metabolism, as well as its products, serotonin and melatonin, in the development of several diseases and reappraises the common signal transduction pathways of the neurodegenerative diseases, carcinogenesis, immune tolerance, inflammation, hypersensitivity reactions, neuropsychiatric disorders, in addition to bacterial tryptophan biosynthesis and novel antimicrobials. Tryptophan Metabolism: Implications for Biological Processes, Health and Disease presents fundamental information on tryptophan related metabolic pathways and metabolites, implications of these products for specific biological processes, diseases and conditions. This book focuses on effects of tryptophan metabolites on human health and will appeal to researchers, clinicians and students within this field.