Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids on Muscle Ammonia Metabolism in Patients With Cirrhosis and Healthy Subjects
- Conditions
- Liver DiseasesHepatic EncephalopathyHepatic Insufficiency
- Registration Number
- NCT00931060
- Lead Sponsor
- University of Aarhus
- Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether Branched chain Amino Acids enhances the uptake of ammonia in muscle tissue.
- Detailed Description
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA; leucine, valine, isoleucine) are used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. The main effect of BCAAs is believed to take place in muscles where BCAAs provide carbon-skeletons for the TCA-cycle. This enhances the conversion of alfa-ketoglutarate to ammonia via glutamine.
We intend to study the effect of oral administered BCAA on the metabolism of ammonia and amino acids across the leg-muscles by means of catheters inserted into the femoral artery (A) and vein (V). Muscle blood flow (F; L/min) will be determined by constant infusion of indocyanine green and indicator dilution principle. Arterial blood flow and A and V concentrations of ammonia and amino acids will be measured before an oral load of BCAA (0.45 g BCAA/kg body weight) and after 1 and 3 hours. The metabolism of ammonia will also be estimated by means of 13N-NH3 PET scans.
Hypothesis: BCAA increases the uptake of ammonia in muscle tissue and lowers arterial ammonia.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 24
- 18 patients with liver cirrhosis
- 6 healthy subjects age and sex matched
- Non-treated diabetes
- Pregnancy/breast-feeding
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method arterial ammonia concentration 1 and 3 hours
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method muscle ammonia metabolism 1 hour and 3 hours