An overview of the therapeutic effects of leucine supplementation on skeletal muscle under atrophic conditions.
The characterization of the mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle atrophy under different conditions has been a constant focus of research. Among anti-atrophic therapies, amino acid supplementation, particularly with leucine, has received a lot of attention. Supplementation has been shown to have remarkable effects on muscle remodeling through protein turnover modulation. This may then impact physiological parameters related to muscle function, and even quality of life. In light of this, leucine supplementation could be a useful therapy for mitigating the atrophic effects of catabolic conditions. The purpose of this review is to present the major results of human studies evaluating the effects of leucine supplementation on structure and function of skeletal muscle in atrophic conditions such as muscle disuse, sarcopenia, and cancer.
Laboratory of Applied Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Physical Education and Sports, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. nicastro@usp.br
Humberto
H
Nicastro
Guilherme Giannini
GG
Artioli
André dos Santos
Ados S
Costa
Marina Yazigi
MY
Solis
Claudia Ribeiro
CR
da Luz
François
F
Blachier
Antonio Herbert
AH
Lancha
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007930:Leucine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D007930:Leucine