Long-term branched-chain amino acid supplementation improves glucose tolerance in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis.
Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements have mainly been administered as a nutritional intervention for decompensated liver cirrhosis. Several studies have shown that short-term BCAA supplementation improves insulin and glucose tolerance in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, the long-term effects of BCAA supplementation on glucose tolerance and in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related liver cirrhosis are unknown. Herein, we report 2 cases of NASH-related liver cirrhosis in which long-term BCAA supplementation improved glycemic control. We conclude that in the absence of an effective conventional therapy for NASH-related liver cirrhosis, BCAA supplementation should be considered as an alternative treatment.
Department of Gastroenterology and Metabiology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
Teruki
T
Miyake
Masanori
M
Abe
Shinya
S
Furukawa
Yoshio
Y
Tokumoto
Kumiko
K
Toshimitsu
Teruhisa
T
Ueda
Shin
S
Yamamoto
Masashi
M
Hirooka
Teru
T
Kumagi
Yoichi
Y
Hiasa
Bunzo
B
Matsuura
Morikazu
M
Onji
D000368:Aged; D000597:Amino Acids, Branched-Chain / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
D000597:Amino Acids, Branched-Chain; D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin