The impact of L-branched-chain amino acids and L-leucine on malnutrition, sarcopenia, and other outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease.

The impact of L-branched-chain amino acids and L-leucine on malnutrition, sarcopenia, and other outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease.
Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Sep 30;:
Authors: Santos ALS, Anastacio LR
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Metabolic and hormonal disorders resulting from chronic liver diseases culminate in increased proteolysis and decreased protein synthesis, which contributes to the development and progression of malnutrition and, consequently, sarcopenia. Nutritional management of sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis is a continuously evolving field and data on essential amino acid supplementation in chronic liver diseases is scarce.
AREAS COVERED: This review encompasses the current literature on oral amino acids supplementation in patients with chronic liver disease or patients with liver cirrhosis to try to elucidate the possible effects of L-branched-chain amino acids and isolated L-leucine as a therapeutic approach to malnutrition and sarcopenia.
EXPERT COMMENTARY: To ensure an optimal nutritional status and to reduce sarcopenia, it is necessary to assess nutritional status in all patients with liver cirrhosis and to apply nutritional interventions accordingly. The supply of calories, proteins, and essential amino acids are necessary for the maintenance of muscle mass and function. Although supplementation of L-branched-chain amino acids plays an important role in liver disease, L-leucine ha...

Source: Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - October 1, 2020 Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol Source Type: research