The effects of bolus supplementation of branched-chain amino acids on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function in patients with rheumatic disorders during glucocorticoid treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To test the effects of bolus supplementation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function in patients with rheumatic disorders taking glucocorticoid (GC).


METHODS
Patients with rheumatic disorders treated with prednisolone (≥10 mg/day) were randomized to ingest additional daily 12 g of BCAA (n = 9) or not (n = 9) for 12 weeks. At baseline, and 4, 8, and 12 weeks, they underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis, muscle strength and functional tests, and computed tomography analysis for cross-sectional area of mid-thigh muscle.


RESULTS
Disease activities of the patients were well controlled and daily GC dose was similarly reduced in both groups. Limb muscle mass was recovered in both groups. Whole-body muscle mass and muscle strength and functional mobility were increased only in BCAA (+) group. The effects of BCAA supplementation on recovering skeletal muscle mass were prominent in particular muscles including biceps femoris muscle.


CONCLUSIONS
This trial is the first-in-man clinical trial to demonstrate that BCAA supplementation might be safe and, at least in part, improve skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function in patients with rheumatic disorders treated with GC.
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.
Noritada
N
Yoshikawa
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.|b Division of Rheumatology, Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy.
Noriaki
N
Shimizu
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.
Masaaki
M
Uehara
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.
Aya
A
Oda
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.
Ryo
R
Matsumiya
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.
Erika
E
Matsubara
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.
Hiroshi
H
Kobayashi
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.
Osamu
O
Hosono
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.
Akiko
A
Kuribara-Souta
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.
Hiroyuki
H
Baba
c Center for Translational Research , and.
Fumitaka
F
Nagamura
d Department of Radiology , IMSUT Hospital, Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo , Shirokanedai , Minato-ku , Tokyo , Japan.
Shigeru
S
Kiryu
a Department of Rheumatology and Allergy.|b Division of Rheumatology, Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy.
Hirotoshi
H
Tanaka
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000597:Amino Acids, Branched-Chain / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000187:drug effects; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000597:Amino Acids, Branched-Chain; D005938:Glucocorticoids
Branched-chain amino acids; Glucocorticoids; Rheumatic disorders; Skeletal muscle atrophy; mTOR