title: High plasma branched-chain amino acids:aromatic amino acids ratio in children on the ketogenic diet: a mechanism in controlling epilepsy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The authors proposed that ketogenic diets will produce an increase in the ratio of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (BCAAs) in plasma of children who are on the diets.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of plasma amino acids sample before initiation of fasting and on day 10 of the dietary treatment was obtained in patients with refractory epilepsy who were newly admitted for initiation of ketogenic diet. Plasma amino acids were determined by high performance liquid chromatography equipment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are 20 patients with refractory epilepsy participating in this study. Outcomes of ketogenic diet therapy were satisfactory. Nineteen cases out of 20 cases had a significantly higher ratio of plasma BCAAs:ARAAs during ketogenic diets than before the diet (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ketogenic diets produced an increased ratio of plasma BCAAs:ARAAs. Whether the increased ratio of plasma BCAAs:ARAAs plays an important role in controlling epilepsy is yet to be elucidated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. pipopj@asiaaccess.net.th
authors.forename: Pipop
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jirapinyo
authors.forename: Pongkiat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kankirawatana
authors.forename: Narumon
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Densupsoontorn
authors.forename: Nuchnoi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Thamonsiri
authors.forename: Renu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wongarn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D024322:Amino Acids, Aromatic / Q000097:blood*; D000597:Amino Acids, Branched-Chain / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000097:blood* / Q000178:diet therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007659:Ketones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D024322:Amino Acids, Aromatic; D000597:Amino Acids, Branched-Chain; D007659:Ketones