Abstract
In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that high protein diets affect both protein synthesis and regulation of several cellular processes. The role of amino acids as substrate for protein synthesis has been established in the literature. However, the mechanism by which these amino acids modulate transcription and regulate the mRNA translation via mTOR-dependent signaling pathway has yet to be fully determined. It has been verified that mTOR is a protein responsible for activating a cascade of biochemical intracellular events which result in the activation of the protein translation process. Of the aminoacids, leucine is the most effective in stimulating protein synthesis and reducing proteolysis. Therefore, it promotes a positive nitrogen balance, possibly by favoring the activation of this protein. This amino acid also directly and indirectly stimulates the synthesis and secretion of insulin, enhancing its anabolic cellular effects. Therefore, this review aimed to identify the role of leucine in protein synthesis modulation and to discuss the metabolic aspects related to this aminoacid.
Highlights
Protein synthesis in tissue is rapidly stimulated after nutrient consumption
High protein consumption increases the availability of substrates for protein synthesis, and stimulates anabolic processes observed after high protein consumption (Campos et al, 1999)
This modulation may involve the activation of specific intracellular pathways involved in protein synthesis, including activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway
Summary
Leucine is the most effective in stimulating protein synthesis and reducing proteolysis. It promotes a positive nitrogen balance, possibly by favoring the activation of this protein. This amino acid directly and indirectly stimulates the synthesis and secretion of insulin, enhancing its anabolic cellular effects. Tem-se verificado que a mTOR é uma proteína responsável por ativar uma cascata de eventos bioquímicos intracelulares que culminam na ativação do processo de tradução protéica. A leucina é a mais eficaz em estimular a síntese protéica, reduzir a proteólise e, portanto, favorecer o balanço nitrogenado positivo, possivelmente por favorecer a ativação desta proteína.
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