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Branched‐chain amino acids
Author(s) -
Platell Cameron,
Kong SungEun,
McCauley Rosalie,
Hall John C
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2000.02205.x
Subject(s) - valine , catabolism , anabolism , medicine , isoleucine , branched chain amino acid , amino acid , leucine , nitrogen balance , protein catabolism , nutrient , endocrinology , physiology , biochemistry , bioinformatics , metabolism , biology , chemistry , ecology , nitrogen , organic chemistry
The branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA), isoleucine, leucine and valine, are unique in that they are principally metabolized extrahepatically in the skeletal muscle. This observation led to the investigation of these nutrients in a number of clinical scenarios. By far the most intensively studied applications for BCAA have been in patients with liver failure and/or patients in catabolic disease states. However, the resulting studies have not demonstrated a clear clinical benefit for BCAA nutritional supplements. In patients with liver failure, the BCAA did improve nitrogen retention and protein synthesis, but their effect on patient outcome was less clear. Similarly, in critically ill septic patients, BCAA did not improve either survival or morbidity. The BCAA are important nutrients, and it seems that any specific benefits associated with their use will be based upon a greater understanding of the underlying cellular biology. Potential areas of further research may include the combination of BCAA supplements with other anabolic factors (e.g. growth hormone) in managing patients with catabolic disease states.