5-methoxy-DL-Tryptophan (DL-5-MTP) is an active metabolite of tryptophan with anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.1,2 It reduces LPS-induced expression of COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 macrophages when used at a concentration of 50 mM.2 DL-5-MTP (23.4 mg/kg) increases survival in a mouse model of LPS-induced endotoxemia and a mouse model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture. It also reduces tumor growth and the number of metastases in an A549 mouse xenograft model when administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg.1
1.Chen, H.-L., Yuan, C.-Y., Cheng, H.-H., et al.Restoration of hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase levels in human cancer cells induces a tryptophan-metabolic switch and attenuates cancer progressionJ. Biol. Chem.293(28)11131-11142(2018) 2.Wang, Y.-F., Hsu, Y.-J., Wu, H.-F., et al.Endothelium-derived 5-methoxytryptophan is a circulating anti-inflammatory molecule that blocks systemic inflammationCirc. Res.119(2)222-236(2016)