Important role of tryptophan on albumin synthesis in patients suffering from anorexia nervosa and hypoalbuminemia.

The rate of albumin synthesis and the serum levels of amino acids were measured in three patients suffering from anorexia nervosa. In comparison to the control group the rate of albumin synthesis was lower for the two patients with hypoalbuminemia and the serum levels of valine, isoleucine and tryptophan also were decreased. Intravenous administration of tryptophan alone failed to increase the serum albumin level in one patient. In another patient, a 3-week period of infusion of amino acids without tryptophan failed to correct the rate of albumin synthesis or the serum albumin level. The serum albumin level rose from 37.1 g/liter to 46.8 g/liter after the infusion of amino acids plus tryptophan. The reduced supply of amino acids as the most important factor in the decrease in albumin synthesis and the important role of tryptophan in the regulation of albumin synthesis are discussed.