Administration Of Amino Acids Research Articles

Clinical investigation in non-liver cirrhosis portosystemic shunt encephalopathy-four case series.

We reported here four cases presenting with disturbance of consciousness over long periods of time and hyperammonemia. Two patients were on maintenance hemodialysis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of abdomen and balloon-occluded retrograde contrast venography revealed existence of a non-cirrhotic portosystemic shunt. Conservative treatment such as intravenous branched-chain amino acid administration and oral lactulose administration had only a modest effect in all patients. Improvements in symptoms were observed following the occlusion of the shunt path in three patients. Measurements of ammonia values would be the most important test for screening, but changes in Fischer’s ratio or indocyanine green (ICG) test values were also correlated with clinical symptoms. Neurologists should keep in mind the possibility of non-cirrhotic portosystemic shunts when they encounter patients with disturbance of consciousness. They should also remember that occlusion of the shunt pathway is an effective treatment.

Intragastric administration of leucine and isoleucine does not reduce the glycaemic response to, or slow gastric emptying of, a carbohydrate-containing drink in type 2 diabetes

AimsIn healthy individuals, intragastric administration of the branched-chain amino acids, leucine and isoleucine, diminishes the glycaemic response to a mixed-nutrient drink, apparently by stimulating insulin and slowing gastric emptying, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of leucine and isoleucine on postprandial glycaemia and gastric emptying in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Methods14 males with T2D received, on 3 separate occasions, in double-blind, randomised fashion, either 10 g leucine, 10 g isoleucine or control, intragastrically 30 min before a mixed-nutrient drink (500 kcal; 74 g carbohydrates, 18 g protein, 15 g fat). Plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon were measured from 30 min pre- until 120 min post-drink. Gastric emptying of the drink was also measured. ResultsLeucine and isoleucine stimulated insulin, both before and after the drink (all P < 0.05; peak (mU/L): control: 70 ± 15; leucine: 88 ± 17; isoleucine: 74 ± 15). Isoleucine stimulated (P < 0.05), and leucine tended to stimulate (P = 0.078), glucagon before the drink, and isoleucine stimulated glucagon post-drink (P = 0.031; peak (pg/mL): control: 62 ± 5; leucine: 70 ± 9; isoleucine: 69 ± 6). Neither amino acid affected gastric emptying or plasma glucose (peak (mmol/L): control: 12.0 ± 0.5; leucine: 12.5 ± 0.7; isoleucine: 12.0 ± 0.6). ConclusionsIn contrast to health, in T2D, leucine and isoleucine, administered intragastrically in a dose of 10 g, do not lower the glycaemic response to a mixed-nutrient drink. This finding argues against a role for ‘preloads’ of either leucine or isoleucine in the management of T2D.

Supplementation of branched-chain amino acids decreases fat accumulation in the liver through intestinal microbiota-mediated production of acetic acid

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant problem because its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Recent animal studies have identified gut microbiota as a potentially important player in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Previously, we reported that the administration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) reduces hepatic fat accumulation in experimental animal models. This study aimed to clarify how changes in the intestinal microbial flora following the administration of BCAAs affect a high-fat diet (HF)-induced fat accumulation in the liver. We examined whether the administration of BCAAs alters the development of hepatic fat accumulation as well as intestinal microbial flora. The oral administration of BCAAs (3% kcal) induced a significant increase in Ruminococcus flavefaciens (R. flavefaciens) and portal acetic acid levels, and it reduced hepatic fat accumulation in HF-fed rats. In addition, BCAAs reduced the expression of the lipogenesis-related genes FAS and ACC in the liver. Furthermore, we observed that R. flavefaciens is essential for promoting a BCAA-induced reduction in hepatic fat accumulation. These data suggest that BCAA treatment induces the proliferation of intestinal flora including R. flavefaciens and that portal acetic acid synthesized from intestinal flora improves NAFLD by downregulating the expression of FAS and ACC in the liver.

Administration of branched-chain amino acids alters epigenetic regulatory enzymes in an animal model of Maple Syrup Urine Disease.

Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder that affects the activity of the branched-chainα-keto acid dehydrogenase complex (BCDK). This deficiency on BCDK complex results in the accumulation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine, isoleucine, valine, and their corresponding α-keto acids. Epigenetic changes can negatively affect the metabolism of BCAA. These changes are catalyzed by the epigenetic regulatory enzymes, e.g., DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), histone deacetylases (HDAC), and histone acetyltransferases (HAT). However, the impacts of BCAA administration on the activity of epigenetic regulatory enzymes in the brain of MSUD patients are still unknown. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the impact of BCAA administration on the activity of DNMT, HDAC, and HAT in the brain structures of infant rats, an animal model of MSUD. For that, we administered a BCAA pool to infant rats for 21 days. We demonstrated that BCAA administration significantly increased the DNMT and HDAC activities in the hippocampus and striatum, but not in the cerebral cortex of MSUD infant rats. A positive correlation was observed between HDAC and DNMT activities in the hippocampus and striatum of animals exposed to BCAA injections. Our results showed that the BCAA administration could modulate epigenetic regulatory enzymes, mainly DNMT and HDAC, in the brains of infant rats. Therefore, we suggest that the increase in the activity of DNMT and HDAC in the hippocampus and striatum could partially explain the neurological impairments presented in animal models of MSUD.

Вплив L-глутамінової кислоти та L-цистеїну на показники гемопоезу та імунного статусу щурів за токсичної дії фосфорорганічних сполук

The rapidly increasing use of xenobiotics in our life stimulates to pay greater attention to the toxic effect of these compounds on human and animal organism. The purpose of our work was to study the changes in hematological and immunological parameters of rat blood under the action of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and additional administration of L-glutamic acid (L-Glu) and L-cysteine (L-Cys) both separately and in the complex. Material and methods. Studies were conducted on albino Wistar rats (males), weighing 200–220 g. They were housed in cages under standard laboratory conditions with a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle. All rats had free access to a standard rodent diet and water ad libitum. After 1 week of acclimatization, the rats were divided into five experimental groups. Animals from first (D1), second (D2), third (D3) and fourth (D4) experimental groups were intraperitoneally exposed to chlorpyrifos. After that rats from the second experimental group were treated with an aqueous solution of L-Glu rats of the third experimental group received L-Glu and L-Cys, rats of the fourth experimental group took L-Cys. Rats of the control group were administered to the appropriate amount of saline. Rats of the control group were administered to the appropriate amount of saline. After the end of exposure period, animals were euthanized. The total number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, white blood cell count, indicators of T- and B-cell immunity was determined in the blood. All procedures were conducted according to the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (Strasbourg, 1986) and General Ethical Principles of Experiments using Animals (First National Congress of Bioethics, Kyiv, 2001), in accordance with current legislation on animal experimentation in Ukraine. Results and discussion. Our results showed that the chlorpyrifos group of animals reflected in decrease in the total number of erythrocytes, the number of lymphocytes on the background of neutrophil increasing, changes in the number of total T-lymphocytes with medium receptor density. Conclusion. Additional administration of amino acids had a positive effect on animals

Effects of branched-chain amino acids on postoperative tumor recurrence in patients undergoing curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: A randomized clinical trial.

No effective postoperative adjuvant therapies have been established for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral administration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) on the recurrence-free survival (RFS) after hepatic resection in HCC patients. In this randomized clinical trial, HCC patients undergoing curative resections were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the BCAA group or surgery-alone group. The BCAA group received BCAA (Livact® ) for up to 4years. The primary endpoint was RFS. The secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis was performed to detect the clinical characteristics significantly associated with RFS. Between January 2010 and October 2014, 156 patients (75 in BCAA group and 81 in surgery-alone group) were enrolled in the study. Of these, two patients were excluded from the efficacy analysis. Comparison of the survival curves by the log rank test demonstrated no significant difference in the RFS (P=.579) or OS (P=.268) between the BCAA and the control group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the RFS was significantly associated with age and number of tumors. A beneficial effect of BCAA on the RFS was found in patients younger than 72years old with a HbA1c level of<6.4%. Oral BCAA supplementation could not reduce the risk of recurrence after hepatic resection in HCC patients; however, the results suggested that BCAA supplementation may be beneficial for selected patients who were younger and had mildly impaired glucose tolerance.

PERBAIKAN GANGGUAN METABOLIK BALITA STUNTING PASCA SUPLEMENTASI ASAM AMINO SISTEIN DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS PACERAKKANG

Backgrounds: Amino acid cysteine is one of the amino acids that can help the process of accelerating growth. In the process of growth of amino acids cysteine has a role in accelerating the transcription of hormone receptors on the reaction of zinc finger protein (ZFP), induction of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF β) and the formation of Cystein Rich Intestinal ProteinCRIP) that strongly linked advanced metabolic reactions. Urine is one of the final results of the metabolic process and can describe the metabolic status subjectively.Methods: Research with pre-post randomizet control design has been done with a large sample of 2 x 15 samples divided into treatment and control group. In the treatment group was given cysteine amino acid as much as 25 mg / day with time of administration for 3 months or 90 times giving. Results: The results showed that amino acid administration of cysteine could not improve metabolic disorder in stunting children with indicator of urinalysis result. In this research, we get the description of energy intake that has not reached AKG. This study also provides an illustration of the low TB addition in all study groups. Anthropometric changes in both BB and TB have significant changes in both treatment and control groups.Keywords: Stunting, Amino acids cysteine, urinalysis, energy intake, Weight Loss, Height

The effects of amino acid/protein supplementation in hemodialysis patients: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMultiple factors including older age, comorbidities, inflammation, metabolic acidosis, dialysis-related hypercatabolism and anabolic resistance of skeletal muscle, extraction of circulating amino acids through hemodialysis and inadequate dietary protein intake due to anorexia, and strictly limited dietary phosphorus intake are likely to contribute to the high prevalence of malnutrition and metabolic abnormalities, more aptly called protein-energy wasting, in patients on hemodialysis. The consensus from the International Society of Renal Nutritional and Metabolism states that nutritional supplementation is effective for replenishing protein and energy stores. Although we hypothesize that amino acid/protein supplementation can overcome the anabolic resistance of skeletal muscle tissue and attenuate or even prevent the accelerated loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength through nutritional status improvement in patients on hemodialysis, whether amino acid and/or protein administration is associated with improvements in these outcomes is unknown. The main objective of this study is to systematically review the impact of amino acid/protein supplementation on skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life in end-stage renal disease patients requiring hemodialysis.MethodsPublished randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of amino acid/protein supplementation in hemodialysis patients with respect to body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life will be included. The bibliographic databases include MEDLINE, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase. The risk of bias of the included RCTs will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool by two independent reviewers. The primary outcome will be skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function, and the secondary outcome will be quality of life. This review protocol is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) 2015 checklist.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required because this study does not include confidential personal data or involve patient interventions. This review is expected to inform readers on the effect of amino acid/protein supplementation in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The findings will be presented at conferences and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.Trial registrationThe trial registration number is (CRD42020181087), and the trial was registered on 5 July 2020.

Different regulation of branched-chain amino acid on food intake by TOR signaling in Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi)

The mTOR signaling pathway integrates energy status with hormonal signals to regulate not only protein synthesis and growth, but also food intake and energy balance. However, the involvement of TOR signaling pathway in food intake regulation is not clearly characterized in fish. To investigate whether TOR signaling is integrated with both hypothalamic neuronal activity and peripheral signaling in Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi), intracerebroventricular administration of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA: leucine, valine and isoleucine) and the inhibitor of TOR signaling rapamycin were performed to detect the regulation of TOR signaling on food intake. The results showed that only leucine could stimulate the TOR signaling, but valine and isoleucine inhibit the TOR signaling. The three BCAA also showed different effects on the food intake and the expression of appetite control genes (hypothalamic neuronal signaling: npy, agrp, pomc, and peripheral hormone: ghrelin, leptin). The up-regulation or down-regulation of TOR signaling by leucine or valine, might suppress or stimulate the food intake through modulating the protein levels of anorexigenic POMC, respectively. We also found the same effects of leucine, valine or isoleucine on the TOR signaling and appetite gene expression in the primary brain cells of Chinese perch. In addition, the different regulation of BCAA on TOR signaling could be attributed to the regulation of BCAA on the interaction between SESN2 and GATOR. These results indicate that three BCAA exhibit the different regulatory roles on the TOR signaling and food intake in fish, unlike in mammals, BCAA activate mTOR signaling.

Effects of enriched branched-chain amino acid supplementation on sarcopenia.

To evaluate the effects of short-term administration of enriched branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on subjects with pre-sarcopenia or sarcopenia, our quasi-experimental study enrolled 33 subjects (12 pre-sarcopenia/21 sarcopenia; 6 men/27 women; mean age 66.6 ± 10.3 years) to take one sachet (3.6 g) of enriched BCAA powder twice a day for five weeks followed by a discontinuation period of 12 weeks. We evaluated sarcopenic parameters, including grip strength, 6-meter gait speed, and bioelectrical-impedance-analysis-derived skeletal mass index (SMI), at baseline, 5 weeks, and 17 weeks. We found that both pre-sarcopenic and sarcopenic subjects showed improved SMI, gait speed, and grip strength at 5 weeks. However, all three parameters progressively declined at 17 weeks, especially SMI and grip strength in subjects aged < 65 years and gait speed and grip strength in subjects aged ≥ 65 years. It thus appears that supplementation with enriched BCAAs for 5 weeks correlates with short-term positive effects on sarcopenic parameters but attenuation of those effects following discontinuation for 12 weeks.

Chronic cadmium toxicity in rats: Treatment with combined administration of vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants and essential metals

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of dietary nutrients against cadmium-induced hepatic and renal toxicities in male albino rats. The animals were randomly divided into eleven groups where the control group (Group I) received physiological saline (p.o.) and Group II was administered with cadmium chloride (2 mg/kg, s.c.) only. Groups III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX received 10 mg/kg dietary nutrients, i.e. thiamine, methionine, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), melatonin, zinc (Zn), vitamin E and cystine, respectively. Group X received a dose of 0.1 mg/kg of selenium (Se) and Group XI was administered with a combination of NAC, Zn, vitamin B1 and melatonin. All treatments were administered orally for 21 days with a concomitant subcutaneous (s.c.) cadmium treatment. Cadmium-intoxicated rats exhibited hepatic and renal toxicities as indicated by elevation of lipid peroxidation and marked decline in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase activities and total protein. However, a combined treatment with dietary nutrients, i.e. methionine, zinc, vitamin B1 and N-acetylcysteine ameliorated cadmium-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress as they provoked the antioxidant defense system more significantly, when compared to each of them alone and hence is suggested as protective against cadmium-induced hepatic and renal toxicities.

Protective effect of the oral administration of cystine and theanine on oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy: a pilot randomized trial

BackgroundOxaliplatin, one of the key cytotoxic drugs for colorectal cancer, frequently causes peripheral neuropathy which leads to dose modification and decreased patients’ quality of life. However, prophylactic or therapeutic measures have not yet been established. Orally administered amino acids, cystine and theanine, promoted the synthesis of glutathione which was one of the potential candidates for preventing the neuropathy. The aim of this study was to determine whether daily oral administration of cystine and theanine attenuated oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OXLIPN).MethodsTwenty-eight colorectal cancer patients who received infusional 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) therapy were randomly and evenly assigned to the cystine and theanine group and the control group. OXLIPN was assessed up to the sixth course using original 7-item questionnaire as well as Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grading scale.ResultsNeuropathy scores according to our original questionnaire were significantly smaller in the cystine and theanine group at the fourth (p = 0.026), fifth (p = 0.029), and sixth course (p = 0.038). Furthermore, significant differences were also observed in CTCAE neuropathy grades at the fourth (p = 0.037) and the sixth course (p = 0.017). There was one patient in each group who required dose reduction due to OXLIPN. Except for neurotoxicity, no significant differences were noted in the incidence of adverse events, and the total amount of administered oxaliplatin.ConclusionThe results demonstrated the daily oral administration of cystine and theanine attenuated OXLIPN.

Stability of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) in Standardized Pediatric Parenteral Nutrition and Evaluation of N,N-Diacetylcystine (DAC) Formation.

The ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR-Guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition (PPN) recommend the administration of the semiessential amino acid (AA) cysteine to preterm neonates due to their biochemical immaturity resulting in an inability to sufficiently synthetize endogenous cysteine. The soluble precursor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is easily converted into bioavailable cysteine. Its dimer N,N-diacetylcystine (DAC) is almost unconvertable to cysteine when given intravenously resulting in a diminished bioavailability of cysteine. This study aims to understand the triggers and oxidation process of NAC to DAC to evaluate possibilities of reducing DAC formation in standardized PPN. Therefore, different air volumes (21% O2) were injected into the AA compartment of a standardized dual-chamber PPN. O2 concentrations were measured in the AA solution and the headspaces of the primary and secondary packaging. NAC and DAC concentrations were analyzed simultaneously. The analysis showed that O2 is principally delivered from the primary headspace. NAC oxidation exclusively delivers DAC, depending on the O2 amount in the solution and the headspaces. The reaction of NAC to DAC being containable by limiting the O2 concentration, the primary headspace must be minimized during manufacturing, and oxygen absorbers must be added into the secondary packaging for a long-term storage of semipermeable containers.

MON-LB003 Clinical Case Series of Augmented Fertility in Females After Administration of an Amino Acid Blend That Enhances Release of Human Growth Hormone

Supplementation with adjuvant therapies, including growth hormone (hGH), is commonly used to improve fertility treatment outcomes. hGH is important for normal female fertility; low hGH has been associated with causes of infertility and impaired fertility, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and advanced maternal age. A novel, low dose, orally administered amino acid blend has been previously shown in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial to produce a statistically significant increase in endogenous hGH secretion. In this clinical case series, we report outcomes in 7 women with infertility or impaired fertility and conditions associated with low hGH who administered the amino acid blend during fertility treatment (n=5) or timed intercourse/spontaneous pregnancy (n=2). Medical history included conditions associated with impaired fertility and low hGH: endometriosis (n=3), PCOS (n=2), and poor response to ovarian stimulation/history of failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) (n=3). The amino acid blend (containing 2.9 g of L-lysine, L-arginine, oxo-proline, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, L-glutamine, and schizonepeta) was administered daily on an empty stomach. Outcomes included embryo quality and success of embryo transfer (for IVF) and successful pregnancy/live births. Mean±SD age was 33±5 years (range 27-38) and BMI was 27±7 kg/m2 (range 21-37). Time to pregnancy ranged from 1 week to 9 months (median 3 months) prior to egg retrieval for IVF (n=4), intrauterine insemination (n=1), or timed intercourse/spontaneous pregnancy (n=2). For women with a history of failed IVF (n=3), there was an improvement in oocyte retrieval, a higher fertilization rate, and a greater number of high-quality embryos compared to previous IVF attempts. There were 2 twin pregnancies (both following IVF). All 7 pregnancies resulted in live births. Consistent with previous studies, the amino acid blend was well tolerated; no adverse events were observed. We report a case series of successful pregnancy in 7 women with conditions associated with low hGH including PCOS, endometriosis, and poor response to ovarian stimulation/history of failed IVF who administered the amino acid blend concomitant with fertility treatment or who reported spontaneous pregnancy. This may represent a potential low-risk and cost-effective treatment to improve IVF success and increase pregnancy rates in individuals with infertility or impaired fertility.

Effect of amino acids on IGF1 gene expression in human myotubes and skeletal muscle

ObjectiveInsulin-like growth factor I (IGF1) is an important regulator of collagen and extracellular matrix protein expression. We aimed to evaluate the effect of amino acids (AAs) on expression of IGF1 and IGF1-dependent genes in human myotubes and skeletal muscle and supposed that AAs administration increases IGF1 levels in blood and expression of IGF1 and IGF1-dependent genes in trained skeletal muscle, thereby reducing training-induced muscle damage. DesignHuman myotubes were incubated with Arg and Leu for 24 h. Then, the effects of long-term branched chain AAs administration (10 weeks, 0.1 g/kg body mass/day) to volunteers (six subjects per AAs and placebo groups) performing large training volumes regularly (cross country skiers, training twice a day) were examined. ResultsIncubating the myotubes with AAs increases expression of IGF1 mRNA isoforms and IGF1 secretion by 2–3 times. In athletes, long-term AAs administration increased basal blood levels of IGF1 (~50%) and expression of IGF1Ea mRNA slightly in skeletal muscle. There is no marked increase in expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, COL5A1, and LOX genes in skeletal muscle after AAs administration. However, expression of these genes in the combined group (placebo + AAs; n = 12) significantly correlated with the expression of IGF1Ea mRNA in muscle and did not correlate with IGF1 levels in the blood. ConclusionsAAs administration increases IGF1 expression in vitro and in vivo. To obtain more pronounced changes in expression of IGF1 and IGF1-dependent genes in skeletal muscle, it may be necessary to increase the dose and/or duration of AAs administration.

Physiological and biochemical response of broiler chickens to amino acids administration

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of amino acids supplementation to drinking water of meat-type broiler chickens on their blood parameters and productive traits. A total of sixty one day old, unsexed broiler chicks were obtained from a local hatchery. They were divided into three treatment groups: control group, and two treatment groups supplemented (via drinking water) with amino acids preparation (Amino-2500 USA Premium Nutrition) at 0.5 and 1.0 g/L, respectively. All chicks were fed a commercial low protein diet containing 19% crude protein and 2900 kcal metabolizable energy per kilogram of the diet. Chicks of the control group was fed the recommended (standard) diet containing 23%crude protein and 3000 kcal of ME/Kg. The duration of the experiment was five weeks. The criteria of productive and physiological responses were live body weight, weight gain, blood plasma protein fractions, plasma lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Transaminase (ALT and AST) activity indicative of liver function was measured. Kidney function test in terms of plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen and uric acid were also determined. Results showed that live body weight and weight gain of broiler chickens were significantly increased by AA administration either at three or five weeks of age. At marketing age (5 weeks), birds from the 3rd and 2nd groups achieved heavier body weigh by 32.3 and 26.8% more than the control chickens. Blood plasma total protein, albumin and globulin levels were significantly increased in the AA treatment groups for T3 and T2, respectively as compared to the control chicks. Addition of AA resulted in an obvious increase in the activity of ALT and AST indicative of negative influence of excess AA on livers function-related enzymes, especially with the higher dose of AA (T3).This was also observed for plasma uric acids and creatinine concentrations as end products of protein metabolism. The histological sections from lymphoid organs revealed better histological appearance indicative of better immunity and bird's health. It is concluded that excessive AA administration for broilers fed on low protein diet, could be used to increase live body weight, enhance protein metabolism without negative impacts on blood biochemistry, and improve their immune response. However, further study is needed to assess the cost and the net revenue from AA supplementation.

Evaluation of the Progressivity Parameters of Chronic Kidney Disease after Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation in Children

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is not an uncommon issuein children. Chronic kidney disease is the abnormality ofstructure or function of the kidney that occurs for more than three months. The presence of a longitudinal decline inGlomerulus Filtration Rate (GFR), proteinuria, and hypertension Are the characteristics of CKD. One of the recommendationsof nutritional supplementation as the prevention of CKD is by the administration of oral Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA).To date, there has been no research to analyze the effects of the BCAA on children with stage 2-4CKD. This study aimed toanalyze the effect of BCAA in inhibiting the progressivity of stage 2-4 CKD in children and improving nutritional status.Astudy with randomized pre-post test controlled trial design was performed in the Outpatient Clinic of Pediatric Nephrologyin Dr. Soetomo Hospital with stage 2-4CKD. The subjects were divided into two groups, such as the BCAA and placebo, andwere monitored for eight weeks to be evaluated the GFR, albumin, proteinuria, blood pressure, and nutritional status.Sixteen children with stage 2-4 CKD dominated by 71.4% of male patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 12.5(SD 2.90) years. Approximately 50% (p=0.767) stage 2 chronic kidney, 50% (p=1.000) moderate malnutrition, and 64.28%(p=1.000) short stature were found, with nephrotic syndrome as the most common underlying cause of CKD (p=0.149). InBCAA group, decrease of GFR -5.08±7.13 (p=0.055), increase of serum albumin 0.20±0.23 (p=0.062), decrease of deltasystole -11.57±15.08 (p=0.565) and diastole -4.85±16.25 (p=0.708), weight loss -0.07±1.01 (p=0.828), an increase of height0.14±0.24 (p=0.771), and a decrease in BMI -0.03±0.74 (p=0.389) were reported. It was concluded that branched-chainamino acid (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) supplementation did not provide a significant effect to inhibit progressivity ofstage 2-4CKD in children and improvement of nutritional status.

Dynamic changes in circulating levels of metabolites in the portal-drained viscera of finishing pigs receiving acute administration of l-arginine.

In this study, we examined the effects of acute intravenous administration of l-arginine on circulating levels of metabolites in the portal-drained viscera (PDV) of 12 barrows surgically fitted with chronic catheters in the portal vein. At day 14 post-surgery, the pigs were fasted for 12hr and then randomly allocated to one of three groups to receive administration of normal saline, l-alanine [103mg/kg body weight (BW), isonitrogenous control] or l-arginine-HCl (61mg/kg BW), via the portal vein. Blood samples were obtained from the carotid artery before and at 30-min intervals for 5hr after the administration of saline or amino acid in order to determine metabolic profiles. The results showed that, compared with the saline treatment, arginine infusion increased plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I, arginine and cystine in the portal vein plasma, whereas plasma concentrations of threonine, serine, leucine and methionine were reduced. These findings indicate that increasing arginine concentrations in the portal vein alters the metabolic profile in swine, an established animal model for studying human nutrition and metabolism.

Protein Deficiency-Induced Behavioral Abnormalities and Neurotransmitter Loss in Aged Mice Are Ameliorated by Essential Amino Acids.

Nutritional epidemiology shows that insufficient protein intake is related to senile dementia. The levels of protein intake in aged people are positively associated with memory function, and elderly people with high protein intake have a low risk of mild cognitive impairment. Although the beneficial roles of protein nutrition in maintaining brain function in aged people are well demonstrated, little is known about the mechanism by which dietary intake of protein affects memory and brain conditions. We fed aged mice a low protein diet (LPD) for 2 months, which caused behavioral abnormalities, and examined the nutritional effect of essential amino acid administration under LPD conditions. The passive avoidance test revealed that LPD mice demonstrated learning and memory impairment. Similarly, the LPD mice showed agitation and hyperactive behavior in the elevated plus maze test. Moreover, LPD mice exhibited decreased concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, glycine, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and aspartate in the brain. Interestingly, oral administration of seven essential amino acids (EAAs; valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, histidine, and tryptophan) to LPD mice, which can be a source of neurotransmitters, reversed those behavioral changes. The oral administration of EAAs restored the brain concentration of glutamate, which is involved in learning and memory ability and may be associated with the observed behavioral changes. Although the details of the link between decreased amino acid and neurotransmitter concentrations and behavioral abnormalities must be examined in future studies, these findings suggest the importance of dietary protein and essential amino acids for maintaining brain function.

Corrigendum: Tolerability and Effect of Early High-Dose Amino Acid Administration in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

Corrigendum: Tolerability and Effect of Early High-Dose Amino Acid Administration in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants