title: Effect of branched chain amino acid infusions on body protein metabolism in cirrhosis of liver.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000597:Amino Acids, Branched-Chain / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000597:Amino Acids, Branched-Chain; D007328:Insulin; D011506:Proteins