Evaluating Serotonin as a Biomarker for Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is predominantly known as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), where it plays a crucial role in mood regulation, gastrointestinal motility, and various other physiological processes.However, recent studies suggest that serotonin may also serve as a biomarker for certain gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoid tumors. This research investigates the hypothesis that serotonin's primary role in the human body is as a biomarker for benign and malignant GI carcinoid tumors, and that its function as a neurotransmitter is a secondary adaptation by neurons due to its frequent secretion by GI tissues.<br>Objectives•Quantify serotonin levels in benign and malignant GI carcinoid tumors and compare them with normal GI tissues.•Investigate the secretion patterns of serotonin in GI carcinoid tumors.•Analyze the potential repurposing of serotonin as a neurotransmitter by neurons due to its abundant secretion.•Assess the diagnostic potential of serotonin as a biomarker for GI carcinoid tumors.