Branched-chain amino acids in liver diseases

Kazuto Tajiri*, Yukihiro Shimizu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

103 Scopus citations

Abstract

Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are involved in various bioprocess such as protein metabolism, gene expression, insulin resistance and proliferation of hepatocytes. BCAAs have also been reported to suppress the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro and to be required for immune cells to perform the function. In advanced cirrhotic patients, it has been clarified that serum concentrations of BCAA are decreased, whereas those of aromatic amino acids (AAAs) are increased. These alterations are thought to be the causes of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), sarcopenia and hepatocarcinogenesis and may be associated with the poor prognosis of patients with these conditions. Administration of BCAA-rich medicines has shown positive results in patients with cirrhosis.

Original languageEnglish
Article number47
JournalTranslational Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Volume3
Issue numberJuly
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs)
  • Cirrhosis
  • Hepatocarcinogenesis
  • Immunity
  • Mammalian target of rapamycin signal (mTOR signal)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology

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