Enteral branched-chain amino acids increase the specific activity of jejunal glutaminase and reduce jejunal atrophy |
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Authors: | ROSALIE D McCAULEY KATHRYN A HEEL JOHN C HALL |
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Institution: | University Department of Surgery, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
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Abstract: | Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)-enriched nutrient solutions reduce gut atrophy associated with parenteral nutrition. We hypothesized that this effect was mediated by phosphate-dependent glutaminase. Thirty male Wistar rats (300–350 g) underwent a standardized surgical procedure and were then randomized into three groups to receive 6 days of ad libitum enteral nutrition. The animals were fed a solution of conventional nutrients, a solution of conventional nutrients enriched with 2.0% BCAA or a solution of conventional parenteral nutrients enriched with 2.5% glutamine. When compared with rats fed conventional nutrients, rats fed BCAA and glutamine had less jejunal atrophy (P< 0.05) and a greater specific activity of phosphate-dependent glutaminase in the jejunum (131%; P< 0.05). It is concluded that enteral BCAA reduce atrophy of the jejunum via the generation of glutamine. |
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Keywords: | branched-chain amino acids glutaminase jejunum |
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