Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “BCAA”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Amino acid, ammonia and neurotransmitter concentrations in hepatic encephalopathy: serial analysis in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid during treatment with an adapted amino acid solution.

We evaluated changes of advanced liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy on the concentrations of amino acids (AA) and ammonia in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) as well as the 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in CSF before and at the end of a 3-day period of treatment with infusions enriched with branched chain amino acids (BCAA). The subjects studied were 13 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy stages 1-3 (n = 8) and stage 4 (n = 5). The patients in coma stages 1-3 recovered during the treatment (survivors), those in coma stage 4 died before the study period was finished (non-survivors). The data emerging from this study show: Alterations of AA concentrations are much more pronounced in the CSF than in the plasma. In the case of tryptophan the alterations in plasma and CSF were inverse. Before the treatment the CSF-plasma ratios of the concentrations of BCAA and aromatic amino acids (AAA) are increased reflecting an activated transport of both the BCAA and AAA through the blood-brain barrier. High dose BCAA nearly normalized CSF concentrations and CSF-plasma ratios of AAA assuming that the treatment brought about an effective competition of cerebral uptake between BCAA and AAA. The CSF concentrations of ammonia and glutamine decreased significantly during treatment while the plasma concentrations changed only moderately. As to the neurotransmitters, only the concentrations of 5-HT and its metabolite 5-HIAA correlated with the clinical picture and with the concentration of their precursor AA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Removal of branched-chain amino acids and alpha-ketoisocaproate by haemofiltration and haemodiafiltration.

Venovenous haemofiltration (VVHF) and haemodiafiltration (VVHDF) were performed with a neonatal haemo(dia)filter (Miniflow 10, Hospal) on 8 anaesthetized rabbits infused with branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) and alpha-ketoisocaproate. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and alpha-ketoisocaproate blood levels were close to those previously observed in neonates with maple syrup urine disease when extracorporeal blood purification was required. VVHF and VVHDF performances were assessed with two different blood flows (Qb = 8.3 and 16.6 ml/min). VVHDF was performed with four dialysate flow rates (Qd = 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 L/h). Within each period, clearances of the three BCAA were strictly similar. BCAA clearances obtained by VVHF were similar to ultrafiltration rates (respectively, 0.78 +/- 0.14 and 1.79 +/- 0.28 ml/min at high and low Qb; p < 0.05). The alpha-ketoisocaproate clearances obtained by VVHF were 0.39 +/- 0.17 and 0.92 +/- 0.43 ml/min at low and high Qb (not significantly different). Whatever the Qd value, the VVHDF procedures always allowed higher BCAA and alpha-ketoisocaproate clearances as compared with the corresponding VVHF period with similar Qb. BCAA clearances obtained by VVHDF with a 0.5 L/h dialysate flow were 4.1 +/- 0.5 and 5.4 +/- 0.5 mL/min at low and high Qb, respectively. The concurrent alpha-ketoisocaproate clearances were 2.5 +/- 0.8 and 2.9 +/- 1.0 ml/min.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗
PubMed1989

Intra- and extracellular amino acid concentrations in portacaval-shunted rabbits. Role of hyperammonemia and effects of branched-chain amino acid-enriched parenteral nutrition.

Intra- and extracellular amino acid concentrations were measured in rabbits in order to elucidate the possible role of hyperammonemia in lowering the postabsorptive plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and to assess the effects of BCAA-enriched total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on the amino acid pattern of muscle. The pathophysiological part of this paper deals with portacaval anastomosis (PCA) and is aimed at substantiating or rejecting our hypothesis that excessive ammonia-by stimulating glutamine synthesis-reduces the intracellular glutamate pool which is then restored, at least in part, by an intensified BCAA degradation. Regarding infusion therapy, we were mainly interested in whether an amino acid solution adapted to the metabolism in liver cirrhosis causes an accumulation of BCAA in muscle or modifies the intracellular content of glutamate and glutamine. Eighteen rabbits did not undergo surgery and served as controls (group A), while 30 were given a portacaval end-to-side anastomosis (group B). Two weeks after creating the PCA, venous blood samples were taken and muscle biopsies (Bergström's technique) were performed postabsorptively. An 18-h TPN was then started, the regimen administered included dextrose, fat and, in addition, either a conventional (group B1, n = 15) or an adapted amino acid solution (group B2, n = 15). We obtained second blood specimens and muscle biopsies at the end of the infusion period. With the control animals, the same time schedule for blood sampling and muscle biopsies was followed. Fourteen days after the operation, the PCA rabbits displayed a mean plasma ammonia level 5.1 times higher than that measured in the controls (p less than or equal to 0.001). Conventional blood chemistry did not reveal any impairment of liver cell integrity or over-all hepatic function, whereas the nutritional state of the shunted animals worsened, as indicated by body weight and biochemical variables. Since in the PCA rabbits, the total amino acid pools of muscle and plasma were seen to be increased and decreased, respectively, the results concerning the individual amino acids are given in terms of both the absolute and percentage values, the latter more often revealing high levels of statistical significance. PCA induced a marked rise in the intra- and extracellular concentrations of glutamine, while the values of glutamate and alanine showed a decline in muscle and plasma. The extracellular levels of methionine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine were raised, while those of the BCAA were diminished.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Amino Acids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dietetic supplementation with branched chain amino acids attenuates the severity of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

Previous studies showed that the diabetogenic action of streptozotocin is reduced in rats adapted to a high-protein, carbohydrate-free diet, that have markedly elevated plasma concentrations of valine, leucine and isoleucine. In order to test the role of these branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in the beneficial effects of the high-protein diets, rats adapted (15 days) either to a balanced synthetic diet, or to the same diet supplemented with BCAA were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg body weight) and maintained on the same diets after drug injection. Rats previously fed the BCAA enriched diet showed a partial but significant reduction in the severity of diabetes, as indicated by higher rates of body weight gain, lower food and water intake, lower excretion of glucose and higher serum insulin levels. Rats previously fed the control diet for 14 days, but transferred to the BCAA diet 3 days after STZ injection, also showed reduced severity of diabetes, as indicated by rates of body weight gain, water and food ingestion, glucose and insulin levels. The data suggest that the increased supply of BCAA is responsible, at least in part, for the previously reported beneficial effects of high-protein diets in rats with STZ-induced diabetes.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗
PubMed1983

Effects of branched chain amino acid infusion on glucose metabolism in cirrhotic patients with encephalopathy.

An amino acid solution enriched in branched chain amino acids (BCAA) was administered to cirrhotic patients with encephalopathy and serial determinations of serum glucose, IRI and IRG were performed. Slight decrease of serum glucose was observed when only BCAA was given. On the other hand, when BCAA was infused with glucose, the serum glucose level decreased significantly after infusion (-77.5 +/- 26.2 mg/dl, p less than 0.01) and two cases of hypoglycemic shock were observed. Although both serum insulin and glucagon increased in these cases, the IRI/IRG molar ratio which was 8.9 at the start of infusion increased to 20.6 at the end of infusion. It was suggested that administration of BCAA with glucose caused hypoglycemia in cirrhotics with encephalopathy, possibly by synergistic action of BCAA and glucose on serum insulin level.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2005

Effects of dietary leucine supplementation on exercise performance.

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA), particularly leucine, have been suggested to be ergogenic for both endurance and strength/power performance. This study investigated the effects of dietary leucine supplementation on the exercise performance of outrigger canoeists. Thirteen (ten female, three male) competitive outrigger canoeists [aged 31.6 (2.2) year, VO(2max) 47.1 (2.0) ml kg(-1) min(-1)] underwent testing before and after 6-week supplementation with either capsulated L: -leucine (45 mg kg(-1) d(-1); n = 6) or placebo (cornflour; n = 7). Testing included anthropometry, 10 s upper body power and work and a row to exhaustion at 70-75% maximal aerobic power where perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR) and plasma BCAA and tryptophan concentrations were assessed. Leucine supplementation resulted in significant increases in plasma leucine and total BCAA concentrations. Upper body power and work significantly increased in both groups after supplementation but power was significantly greater after leucine supplementation compared to the placebo [6.7 (0.7) v. 6.0 (0.7) W kg(-1)]. Rowing time significantly increased [77.6 (6.3)-88.3 (7.3) min] and average RPE significantly decreased [14.5 (1.5)-12.9 (1.4)] with leucine supplementation while these variables were unchanged with the placebo. Leucine supplementation had no effect on the plasma tryptophan to BCAA ratio, HR or anthropometric variables. Six weeks' dietary leucine supplementation significantly improved endurance performance and upper body power in outrigger canoeists without significant change in the plasma ratio of tryptophan to BCAA.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Responses of plasma glutamine, free tryptophan and branched-chain amino acids to prolonged exercise after a regime designed to reduce muscle glycogen.

Prolonged exercise can elicit a reduction in the plasma glutamine concentration and an increase in the plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan (FTrp) to branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of a 60-min bout of vigorous treadmill running with dietary manipulation on plasma concentrations of glutamine, FTrp and BCAA after an exercise and diet regime designed to reduce muscle glycogen. Seven male distance runners [mean (SD) age: 29.3 (2.1) years; VO2max: 62.7 (3.3) ml.kg-1.min-1] acted as subjects. Each undertook a regime designed to reduce muscle glycogen, then performed a 60-min treadmill run (75% VO2max) under two dietary conditions: after a 14-h fast (fasted) and after ingestion of a high carbohydrate meal (30 kJ.kg-1: 80% carbohydrate, 10% protein, 10% fat) 3 h before running (fed). Plasma concentrations of glutamine, FTrp, BCAA, free fatty acids (FFA), glycerol and glucose were measured 5 min before and 5 min after the run, under each dietary condition. Plasma glutamine did not change in response to exercise when fasted (P > 0.05), but increased when fed (P = 0.007). Plasma FTrp increased under both dietary conditions (P < 0.001), but the magnitude of this increase was greater when fasted than when fed (P < 0.001). Plasma BCAA did not change under either dietary condition (P < 0.05). Increases in the plasma FTrp/BCAA ratio reflected increases in plasma FFA and glycerol concentrations (P < 0.001; both dietary conditions) and these changes were all greater under fasted conditions when a fall in blood glucose concentration was observed (P = 0.007). These data emphasise the importance of dietary carbohydrate intake between repeated bouts of prolonged exercise on responses of plasma glutamine, FTrp and BCAA during subsequent exercise.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Effect of acute and chronic exercise on plasma amino acids and prolactin concentrations and on [3H]ketanserin binding to serotonin2A receptors on human platelets.

The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has been shown to modulate various physiological and psychological functions such as fatigue. Altered regulation of the serotonergic system has been suggested to play a role in response to exercise stress. In the present study, the influence was investigated of acute endurance exercise and short-term increase in the amount of training on the concentrations of the 5-HT precursor tryptophan (TRP), of prolactin (PRL) and of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in the blood, as well as on the binding of [3H]ketanserin to the serotonin-2A (5-HT2A) receptors on platelets. Nine healthy endurance-trained men were tested the day before (I) and after (II) a 9-day training programme. Samples of venous blood were drawn after an overnight fast and following 5 h of cycling. Fasted and post-exercise plasma concentrations of free TRP, BCAA and free TRP:BCAA ratio did not differ between I and II. A significant decrease of plasma BCAA (P < 0.01) and significant augmentations of plasma free TRP, free TRP:BCAA ratio and PRL (P < 0.01) were found post-exercise. The increase in plasma PRL was smaller in II compared with I. Acute endurance exercise reduced the density of platelet 5-HT2A receptor [3H]ketanserin binding sites at I and II (P < 0.05). The basal density of the binding sites and the affinity of [3H]ketanserin for these binding sites were unaffected by an increase in the amount of training. The present results support the hypothesis that acute endurance exercise may increase 5-HT availability. This was reflected in the periphery by increased concentration of the 5-HT precursor free TRP, by increased plasma PRL concentration, and by a reduction of 5-HT2A receptors on platelets. It remains to be resolved whether these alterations in the periphery occur in parallel with an increase in the availability of 5-HT in the brain.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Utility of hemodialysis in maple syrup urine disease.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an inborn error of metabolism stemming from a deficiency in 2-ketoacid dehydrogenase and resulting in the systemic accumulation of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Affected children may suffer profound developmental and cognitive impairment from exposure to high levels of BCAA and their associated neurotoxic metabolites. Endogenous renal clearance of BCAA is limited and several therapeutic modalities including intensive nutritional regimens, exchange transfusions, peritoneal dialysis, and continuous hemofiltration have been utilized in neonates with MSUD, all of which have had varying success in reducing systemic BCAA levels. In this report, a symptomatic 7-day-old 3-kg neonate with MSUD underwent treatment with a combination of early hemodialysis and aggressive enteral feedings of a metabolically appropriate formula. This approach results in a 75% reduction of systemic toxin levels within 3 h. When compared to other reported modalities of therapy for symptomatic neonates with MSUD, this approach appears to be most efficacious. Moreover, by minimizing the amount of time that an affected neonate is exposed to neurotoxic levels of BCAAs, long-term developmental and cognitive capabilities may be preserved.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗
PubMed1998

Insulin, branched-chain amino acids, and growth failure in uremia.

Insulin and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism was studied in 14 adolescents with uremia on hemodialysis. Glucose tolerance was measured by intravenous glucose tolerance tests. Insulin sensitivity was measured by the euglycemia clamp technique. Insulin secretion during constant hyperglycemia was measured by the hyperglycemic clamp technique. Fasting plasma BCAA concentrations were compared with data from 8 adolescent controls, whereas insulin indices were compared with 8 young adults controls and with published normal data in adolescents. The patients could be further sub-divided into two groups with respect to their growth velocity standard deviation score (GVSDS). Group 1 consisted of 7 patients with GVSDS less than -2. This group demonstrated insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and low insulin secretion. This group also had low plasma valine, leucine, and isoleucine concentrations compared with control values. Group 2 consisted of 7 patients with GVSDS more than -2. This group demonstrated insulin resistance, but normal glucose tolerance and normal insulin secretion. Plasma valine, leucine, and isoleucine concentrations in group 2 were not different from control values. Total plasma BCAA correlated with glucose tolerance index and with insulin secretion, but not with insulin sensitivity. Growth failure in uremia is associated with glucose intolerance, hypoinsulinemia, and low plasma BCAA concentrations. Impaired utilization of conventional energy sources leading to preferential oxidation of BCAA may contribute to reduced anabolism and growth failure in uremia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Amino acids and central fatigue.

There is an increasing interest in the mechanisms behind central fatigue, particularly in relation to changes in brain monoamine metabolism and the influence of specific amino acids on fatigue. Several studies in experimental animals have shown that physical exercise increases the synthesis and metabolism of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Support for the involvement of 5-HT in fatigue can be found in studies where the brain concentration of 5-HT has been altered by means of pharmacological agents. When the 5-HT level was elevated in this way the performance was impaired in both rats and human subjects, and in accordance with this a decrease in the 5-HT level caused an improvement in running performance in rats. The precursor of 5-HT is the amino acid tryptophan and the synthesis of 5-HT in the brain is thought to be regulated by the blood supply of free tryptophan in relation to other large neutral amino acids (including the branched-chain amino acids, BCAA) since these compete with tryptophan for transport into the brain. Studies in human subjects have shown that the plasma ratio of free tryptophan/BCAA increases during and, particularly, after sustained exercise. This would favour the transport of tryptophan into the brain and also the synthesis and release of 5-HT which may lead to central fatigue. Attempts have been made to influence the 5-HT level by giving BCAA to human subjects during different types of sustained heavy exercise. The results indicate that ingestion of BCAA reduces the perceived exertion and mental fatigue during exercise and improves cognitive performance after the exercise. In addition, in some situations ingestion of BCAA might also improve physical performance; during exercise in the heat or in a competitive race when the central component of fatigue is assumed to be more pronounced than in a laboratory experiment. However, more experiments are needed to further clarify the effect of BCAA and also of tryptophan ingestion on physical performance and mental fatigue.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗
PubMed1984

Insulin-dependent metabolism of branched-chain amino acids in obesity.

The effect of euglycemic hyperinsulinism on branched-chain amino acids (BCAA; valine, isoleucine and leucine) was evaluated in five obese subjects and five controls. A continuous intravenous insulin infusion raised plasma insulin to a steady-state level. An artificial endocrine pancrease that infused glucose was used to sustain euglycemia. Basal and steady-state insulin levels were significantly higher in the obese subjects than in the controls. The amount of glucose infused to maintain euglycemia and its ratio to steady-state insulin levels was significantly lower in the obese subjects, suggesting an impaired insulin action on glucose metabolism. Basal BCAA levels were similar in the two groups of subjects. During insulin infusion the decremental areas of BCAA below basal levels were significantly lower in the obese patients (63 +/- 5 nmol/mL X min v 143 +/- 8 nmol/mL X min, P less than 0.001), as was the ratio of the decremental areas of BCAA to the incremental areas of insulin (1.11 +/- 0.05 nmol/microU v 3.30 +/- 0.24 nmol/microU, P less than 0.001). Our data suggest that insulin resistance in obesity reduces hormonal effects on glucose as well as on BCAA metabolism.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗
PubMed1994

Effects of valine, leucine, isoleucine, and a balanced amino acid solution on the seizure threshold to picrotoxin in rats.

During infusion of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in humans, changes in ventilatory drive, sleeping pattern, and appetite have been reported. The mechanism by which BCAA exerts their effects on CNS remains unclear. An infusion of a BCAA solution (300 mg/kg) has previously been found to increase the seizure threshold in rats to the proconvulsant drug picrotoxin, an antagonist on the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex. In this study, each of the BCAAs given separately (valine, leucine, isoleucine; 300 mg/kg) (n = 10) increased the mean latency time to onset of seizures vs. placebo as an indication of an increased seizure threshold. A balanced amino acid solution (Vamin-Glucose) had no effect on the seizure threshold. Thus, these CNS effects are specific for BCAAs and occur with all three.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1985

Effects of branched-chain amino acids on beta-endorphin in the pituitary of the rat.

Despite evidence that the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) influence brain metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, there is little information on the neuroendocrine effects of the BCAAs. We now report that administration of a mixture of the BCAAs 3 times daily for 12 days to Sprague-Dawley rats decreased the concentration of beta-endorphin immunoreactivity (BEI) in the neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary. In BCAA-treated rats, BEI was 21 +/- 4 compared to control levels of 57 +/- 12 (ng/microgram of protein). The BCAAs had no effect on the level of BEI in the adenohypophysis. These findings suggest that changes in availability of leucine, isoleucine, and valine mediate specific neuroendocrine responses to metabolic perturbations in the rat.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗
PubMed1996

Regulation of glutamate dehydrogenase by branched-chain amino acids in skeletal muscle from rats and chicks.

Little information is available regarding the regulation of glutamate dehydrogenase in skeletal muscle. We investigated the regulation of glutamate dehydrogenase by branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in skeletal muscles from rats and chicks and determined the effects of metabolic acidosis on the activity and regulation of this enzyme by BCAA in rat skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle mitochondria were prepared from normal rats and chicks and acidotic rats. Mitochondrial glutamate dehydrogenase activity was measured in the presence or absence of BCAA. Metabolic acidosis was induced by feeding rats 1.5% NH4Cl as drinking water. Glutamate dehydrogenase activity was stimulated by leucine (P < 0.001) and isoleucine (P < 0.05) in rat muscles and by leucine (P < 0.05) in chick muscles in a concentration-dependent manner. Both leucine and isoleucine had their maximum effects at a concentration of 1 mM (45% by leucine and 27% by isoleucine in rat muscle; 36% by leucine in chick muscle). The maximum stimulatory effects of leucine and isoleucine in rat muscles were additive. Neither valine nor 2-oxoisocaproate had an effect on glutamate dehydrogenase activity in rat or chick muscles. In acidotic rats, the basal activity of skeletal muscle glutamate dehydrogenase was 1.8-fold (P < 0.01) greater than in control rats; leucine, isoleucine, and valine significantly increased glutamate dehydrogenase activity (maximally 86, 55 and 33%, respectively; P < 0.05). We conclude that glutamate dehydrogenase activity in skeletal muscle from rats and chicks is regulated by BCAA, and that a species difference exists between rats and chicks. Metabolic acidosis increases the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase and its sensitivity to BCAA.

Acidosis↗
PubMed2004

Significance of branched chain amino acids as possible stimulators of hepatocyte growth factor.

Amino acids can serve as regulatory molecules that modulate numerous cellular functions. Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are known to exert influences on cellular metabolism, amino acid transport, protein turn over, and gene expression. However, the mechanisms involved in the specific effect of BCAAs have not been clarified. BCAA supplementation therapy is a current treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis, therefore, specific BCAA activities should be examined. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is considered to be a pleiotropic factor, and is reported to modulate gene expression and to stimulate the proliferation and functions of many cell types, including hepatocytes. A potential application of HGF for several types of diseases has been postulated. Here, we describe the potential of BCAAs as a therapeutic agent that acts through the induction of HGF production in the liver.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗
PubMed2004

Branched-chain amino acid treatment in patients with liver cirrhosis.

We discuss branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) treatment for the management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). PEM is closely associated with the prognosis of patients with LC independently of liver function. Therefore, adequate protein and energy intake is a fundamental management to improve the status of PEM in patients with LC. However, it is difficult to maintain good nutritional status with diet therapy alone in patients with LC, because the majority of these patients have disturbances of the nutritious metabolism including urea synthesis in the liver, together with the existence of portal-systemic shunt which is related with the pathogenesis of HE. BCAA enriched amino acid solution was administered at first to treat chronic HE based on amino acid imbalance and neurotransmitter theory. Furthermore, recent studies have suggested that the supplement of BCAA enriched oral mixture and BCAA granules with diet therapy might improve the status of PEM in patients with LC. However, as the effects of these BCAA supplements are basically related to the severity of liver damage, further investigations are required to identify the efficacy of these treatments.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Overweight and obesity increase the risk for liver cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis and long-term oral supplementation with branched-chain amino acid granules inhibits liver carcinogenesis in heavier patients with liver cirrhosis.

We conducted a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial to investigate the effect of long-term oral supplementation with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) on the event-free survival in 622 patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In the present study, the development of liver cancer was analyzed as an endpoint in particular. Subjects received either treatment with BCAA at 12g/day or dietary therapy containing the matched daily energy and protein intake. A Cox regression analysis was carried out to estimate the hazard ratios for different background factors stratified by treatment group. Liver cancer was noted in 89 patients. The risk for liver cancer was significantly higher for males, patients with concurrent diabetes mellitus, patients with an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 20ng/mL or higher, patients with higher body mass index (BMI), and patients with lower serum albumin levels. When the BCAA group and the diet group were compared for factors that interacted with the treatment arms, the risk for liver cancer was significantly reduced in the BCAA group with a BMI of 25 or higher and with an AFP level of 20ng/mL or higher. Oral supplemental treatment with BCAA may reduce the risk of liver cancer in cirrhotic patients with these specific factors.

Journal Article↗