title: Regulation of branched-chain amino acid metabolism and pharmacological effects of branched-chain amino acids.
abstract: Significant evidence of the pharmacological and physiological effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) has accumulated, attracting the interest of not only clinicians but also basic medical researchers. We summarize here the characteristic features of BCAA catabolism, focusing on the initial two enzymes in the pathway, branched-chain aminotransferase and branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex. In addition, we describe a unique characteristic of the valine catabolic pathway. Finally, we present evidence obtained in animal studies that indicates that BCAA treatment may be appropriate for liver cirrhosis, but not acute liver failure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Shikumi College, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan.
authors.forename: Yoshiharu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shimomura
authors.forename: Taro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Murakami
authors.forename: Masaru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nagasaki
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Honda
authors.forename: Hidemi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Goto
authors.forename: Katsuhiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kotake
authors.forename: Tsuyoshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kurokawa
authors.forename: Toshiaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nonami