title: Weight loss is associated with plasma free amino acid alterations in subjects with metabolic syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide, especially in Asian populations. Early detection and effective intervention are vital. Plasma free amino acid profile is a potential biomarker for the early detection for lifestyle-related diseases. However, little is known about whether the altered plasma free amino acid profiles in subjects with metabolic syndrome are related to the effectiveness of dietary and exercise interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-five Japanese subjects who fulfilled the Japanese diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome were enrolled in a 3-month diet and exercise intervention. The plasma free amino acid concentrations and metabolic variables were measured, and the relationships between plasma free amino acid profiles, metabolic variables and the extent of body weight reduction were investigated. Those who lost more than 3% of body weight were compared with those who lost less than 3%.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline levels of most amino acids in the subset that went on to lose <3% body weight were markedly lower compared with the counterpart, although both groups showed similar proportional pattern of plasma amino acid profiles. The weight loss induced by the diet and exercise intervention normalized plasma free amino acid profiles. For those with a high degree of weight loss, those changes were also associated with improvement in blood pressure, triglyceride and hemoglobin A1c levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data suggest that among Japanese adults meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome, baseline plasma free amino acid profiles may differ in ways that predict who will be more vs less beneficially responsive to a standard diet and exercise program. Plasma free amino acid profiles may also be useful as markers for monitoring the risks of developing lifestyle-related diseases and measuring improvement in physiological states.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Health, Kanagawa Health Service Association, Yokohama, Japan.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Tochikubo
authors.affiliation: Institute for Innovation, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Kawasaki, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.affiliation: Institute for Innovation, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Kawasaki, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jinzu
authors.affiliation: Institute for Innovation, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Kawasaki, Japan.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nagao
authors.affiliation: Institute for Innovation, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Kawasaki, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.affiliation: Institute for Innovation, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Kawasaki, Japan.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kageyama
authors.affiliation: Institute for Innovation, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Kawasaki, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Miyano
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000097:blood*; D044466:Asian People; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007564:Japan; D008019:Life Style; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D001786:Blood Glucose; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007328:Insulin; D014280:Triglycerides