Effects of dexfenfluramine on weight loss and serum amino acids profile in obese subjects

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of weight reduction on serum amino acids levels in 40 obese subjects (BMI in kg·m −2: 38.8±1.5) achieved by hypocaloric (1200–1500 kcal/day) diets with dexfenfluramine (30 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months. The weight reduction was statistically different between placebo (P) and dexfenfluramine (dF) groups (P: −5.6±1.5 kg, dF: −8.8±1.1 kg; p < 0.05). Lean body mass reduction was statistically different between the placebo and the dexfenfluramine groups (P: −0.2±0.8 kg, dF: −3.4±1.1 kg; p < 0.05). Serum amino acids levels remain unchanged among the experimental period in the placebo group. However, dexfenfluramine treated patients suffered an increase in Ser, Gln, Gly+His, Thr, Arg and Lys levels (p < 0.05) at the end of the first 3 months. During the next three months these amino acid levels were reduced by the treatment with dF. On the contrary, Asp, Gly and Orn levels were enhanced (p < 0.05) at the end of the study. It can be concluded that dexfenfluramine modifies the pattern of weight reduction but the intimate mechanism and the alterations produced on protein metabolism are not clear.