Abstract
Background and Aim: Sarcopenia is considered an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality in liver cirrhosis. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) has the potential to increase muscle mass and performance by stimulating protein synthesis and reducing muscle catabolism. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of HMB supplementation on muscle mass and function in patients with liver cirrhosis. Changes in frailty during the study were also estimated, and the safety of HMB supplementation was verified. Methods: This is a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Twenty-four patients (14 HMB and 10 placebo) affected by liver cirrhosis were enrolled in the study. Each patient received dedicated counseling, which included nutrition and physical activity recommendations for chronic liver disease patients. Patients were randomized to receive 3 g/day of HMB or placebo (sorbitol powder) for 12 consecutive weeks. A diet interview, anthropometry, electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA), quadriceps ultrasound, physical performance battery, Liver Frailty Index (LFI), and cognitive tests were completed at enrolment (T0), at 12 weeks (T1), and 24 weeks after enrolment (T2). Results: At baseline, the two groups were similar in demography, severity of liver disease, muscle mass, muscle function, and cognitive tests. LFI at baseline was higher in patients in the HMB group vs. those in the placebo group (4.1 ± 0.4 vs. 3.4 ± 0.6, p < 0.01). After treatment, a statistically significant increase in muscle function was seen in the HMB group (chair stand test: 14.2 ± 5 s vs. 11.7 ± 2.6 s, p < 0.05; six-minute walk test: 361.8 ± 68 m vs. 409.4 ± 58 m, p < 0.05). Quadriceps muscle mass measured by ultrasound also increased (4.9 ± 1.8 vs. 5.4 ± 1.8 mm, p < 0.05) after HMB, while LFI decreased (4.1 ± 0.4 vs. 3.7 ± 0.4, p < 0.05). HMB was well tolerated by patients, and no adverse events were documented. Conclusions: Our study suggests the efficacy of 12-week beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation in promoting improvements in muscle performance in compensated cirrhotic patients. LFI was also ameliorated. Further studies with a greater number of patients are required to reinforce this hypothesis.
Highlights
We observed a significant increase in appendicular lean mass and in the hand-grip strength in patients receiving HMB supplementation versus those treated with placebo, suggesting that HMB could improve the recovery of skeletal muscle in liver transplant patients [23]
A total of 27 patients affected by liver cirrhosis were prospectively enrolled and randomized, 14 in the HMB group and 13 in the placebo group
We found that HMB supplementation increased the muscle performance of cirrhotic patients compared to that of the placebo group
Summary
Sarcopenia may contribute to physical frailty, which is frequently encountered in patients with advanced chronic diseases, representing an unfavorable prognostic factor for morbidity and mortality [7,8,9,10,11,12]. Given the multifactorial pathogenesis of sarcopenia and frailty, and the lack of a complete knowledge of the interactions between factors involved in their onset, a global and standardized approach for the prevention and treatment of these entities has not yet been defined. Due to their dynamic nature and in consideration of their potential reversibility, treatments that may contribute to the management of these conditions are relevant
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