Effect of branched chain amino acid infusions on body protein metabolism in cirrhosis of liver

• Published in: Gut Vol. 27; no. Suppl 1; pp. 96 - 102
• Main Authors: Wright, P D, Holdsworth, J D, Dionigi, P, Clague, M B, James, O F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Society of Gastroenterology 01.11.1986; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Amino Acids, Branched-Chain - therapeutic use; Female; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Insulin - blood; Liver Cirrhosis - blood; Liver Cirrhosis - drug therapy; Liver Cirrhosis - metabolism; Male; Middle Aged; Proteins - metabolism
• ISSN: 0017-5749; 1468-3288; 1458-3288
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.27.Suppl_1.96

Thirty seven patients with established cirrhosis of the liver were subjected to measurement of body protein metabolism using L-(1-14C) labelled leucine as a tracer. The effects of disease severity and those of solutions containing 0%, 16%, 35%, 53%, and 100% branched chain amino acids were evaluated. Significant increases in protein synthesis were noted with solutions containing 35%, 53%, and 100% branched chain amino acids, but in patients receiving 100% branched chain amino acids without additional essential amino acid supplement the increase in synthesis was matched by a significant increase in protein breakdown. Protein balance was thus improved only in patients receiving 35% and 53% branched chain amino acids. It was concluded that the high increase in protein breakdown in patients receiving 100% branched chain amino acids was undesirable, and such a solution should not be recommended for clinical use.