Effect of amino acids and their analogues on renal function

Abstract

Renal hemodynamics (Cinutest, CPAH) were measured in 5 volunteers (23–28 years of age), before and after each of the following 1-week regimen: a) low protein diet as 50% of usual intake (LPD); b) LPD + 0.6 g/kg of a mixture of essential and non essential amino acids (AAmix); c) LPD + 0.6 g/kg of branched chain amino acids (BCAA); d) LPD + 0.15 g/kg of essential amino and Keto acid supplement (EAKA). LPD induced a decrease in renal plasma flow (RPF) without GFR variation; this finding was annulled when LPD was supplemented either with AAmix or EAKA, suggesting that EAKA used as supplement of LPD in chronic renal disease could counterbalance the low-protein induced reduced glomerular hemodynamic load. BCAA tended to antagonize the LPD renal effects: these data were partially inconsistent with the renal vasoconstriction we previously observed during BCAA infusion in normal man.