1,722,297 research outputs found
Branched Chain Amino Acids and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Literature Review
Full text linkINTRODUCTION Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is recognized as a major public health problem in the modern world, with its prevalence increasing each year. Consistently poor lifestyle habits — namely, nutritional excess coupled with sedentary behavior — are the leading causes of obesity, which in turn leverages the gradual desensitization of cells to insulin, followed by the onset of insulin resistance (IR) and the subsequent development of T2DM. Countless studies and ongoing research have confirmed that nutrition plays a definitive role in contributing to the development and onset of T2DM. However, in recent years, there has been increasing controversy surrounding the role that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may play in influencing IR and the development of T2DM.
AIM To review existing literature regarding both the purportedly harmful and beneficial roles and impacts of BCAAs on metabolic health, in order to better understand the contradictory nature of BCAAs and their effects on IR and T2DM. METHODS Relevant research, review articles and epidemiological studies spanning the time frame from 2004 to 2020 were collected, analyzed and summarized with the goal of underscoring and delineating the conflicting roles of BCAAs.
RESULTS Evidence of beneficial effects of BCAAs includes enhanced muscle protein synthesis, more efficient glucose homeostasis, increased satiety, better body composition and improved body weight regulation. Evidence of harmful effects of BCAAs includes elevated fasting concentrations of circulating BCAAs correlating with an increased risk of IR and T2DM in human and rodent models.
DISCUSSION In spite of the various studies that have been undertaken to shed further light on BCAAs, it still remains unclear whether they are simply markers of metabolic disturbances that ultimately lead to the development of T2DM, or if they are, at least in part, the actual cause of metabolic disturbances leading to T2DM. The general consensus amongst the scientific community is that more research is needed on this topic.Master of Public Health (MPH)Public Healt
Catabolism of BCAAs and Application
Full text linkOver the past 150 years, amino acids have been found and researched in the nutrition biochemistry field. Over these years, three have been identified; leucine, valine and isoleucine; to make up the branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) that play a crucial role on the anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. The metabolism of BCAAs is a highly complicated process that is regulated by the activation of the alpha-keto acids dehydrogenase complex (BCKDH complex) to complete the catabolic reaction. With exercise, it has been found to increase the metabolism of BCAAs by increasing the BCKDH complex, which will decrease the fatigue and muscle breakdown experienced during training. Additionally, BCAAs have been found to increase insulin uptake in the body and decrease delayed onset muscles that is experienced the days following activity. Although BCAAs have a positive impact on exercise performance and recovery, they can negatively impact the body if not in the correct balance
BCAAs acutely drive glucose dysregulation and insulin resistance: role of AgRP neurons
Full text linkBackground: High-protein diets are often enriched with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) known to enhance protein synthesis and provide numerous physiological benefits, but recent studies reveal their association with obesity and diabetes. In support of this, protein or BCAA supplementation is shown to disrupt glucose metabolism while restriction improves it. However, it is not clear if these are primary, direct effects of BCAAs or secondary to other physiological changes during chronic manipulation of dietary BCAAs. Methods: Three-month-old C57Bl/6 mice were acutely treated with either vehicle/BCAAs or BT2, a BCAA-lowering compound, and detailed in vivo metabolic phenotyping, including frequent sampling and pancreatic clamps, were conducted. Results: Using a catheter-guided frequent sampling method in mice, here we show that a single infusion of BCAAs was sufficient to acutely elevate blood glucose and plasma insulin. While pre-treatment with BCAAs did not affect glucose tolerance, a constant infusion of BCAAs during hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamps impaired whole-body insulin sensitivity. Similarly, a single injection of BT2 was sufficient to prevent BCAA rise during fasting and markedly improve glucose tolerance in high-fat-fed mice, suggesting that abnormal glycemic control in obesity may be causally linked to high circulating BCAAs. We further show that chemogenetic over-activation of AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus, as present in obesity, significantly impairs glucose tolerance that is completely normalized by acute BCAA reduction. Interestingly, most of these effects were demonstrated only in male, but not in female mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest that BCAAs per se can acutely impair glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity, thus offering an explanation for how they may disrupt glucose metabolism in the long-term as observed in obesity and diabetes. Our findings also reveal that AgRP neuronal regulation of blood glucose is mediated through BCAAs, further elucidating a novel mechanism by which brain controls glucose homeostasis
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) - oral supplementation and its effects in resistance training and treatment
Full text linkIntroduction: Branched - chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential components of proteins that play a crucial role in regulating numerous physiological processes in the human body. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of scientific research on BCAAs, including their involvement in metabolism, protein biosynthesis, and the regulation of anabolic processes. We reviewed the supplementation of BCAAs and its impact on sports performance, body composition, and the therapeutic applications of BCAAs
Materials and methods: This study is based on medical articles collected from the PubMed database spanning the years 2011-2023. The research was conducted through the analysis of keywords such as "BCAA supplementation", "BCAA metabolism", and "BCAA treatment".
Results: The physiology of BCAAs is well understood. The use of oral supplements containing BCAAs does not have a positive impact on muscle hypertrophy, muscle strength, and post-workout muscle soreness in resistance training. However, branched chain amino acids may serve as a safe and effective therapeutic approach in the treatment of liver cirrhosis
Ergogenic Effect of BCAAs and L-Alanine Supplementation: Proof-of-Concept Study in a Murine Model of Physiological Exercise
No full textBackground: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, valine) account for 35% of skeletal muscle essential amino acids (AAs). As such, they must be provided in the diet to support peptide synthesis and inhibit protein breakdown. Although substantial evidence has been collected about the potential usefulness of BCAAs in supporting muscle function and structure, dietary supplements containing BCAAs alone may not be effective in controlling muscle protein turnover, due to the rate-limiting bioavailability of other AAs involved in BCAAs metabolism. Methods: We aimed to evaluate the in vivo/ex vivo effects of a 4-week treatment with an oral formulation containing BCAAs alone (2:1:1) on muscle function, structure, and metabolism in a murine model of physiological exercise, which was compared to three modified formulations combining BCAAs with increasing concentrations of L-Alanine (ALA), an AA controlling BCAAs catabolism. Results: A preliminary pharmacokinetic study confirmed the ability of ALA to boost up BCAAs bioavailability. After 4 weeks, mix 2 (BCAAs + 2ALA) had the best protective effect on mice force and fatigability, as well as on muscle morphology and metabolic indices. Conclusion: Our study corroborates the use of BCAAs + ALA to support muscle health during physiological exercise, underlining how the relative BCAAs/ALA ratio is important to control BCAAs distribution
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