Does branched-chain amino acids supplementation modulate skeletal muscle remodeling through inflammation modulation? Possible mechanisms of action.

• Grant number: 12/05192-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Start date: May 01, 2012
• End date: October 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutrition Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior
• Grantee: Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte (EEFE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo

Abstract

Skeletal muscle protein turnover is modulated by intracellular signaling pathways involved in protein synthesis, degradation and inflammation. The proinflammatory status of muscle cells, observed in pathological conditions such as cancer, aging and sepsis can directly modulate protein translation initiation and muscle proteolysis, contributing to negative protein turnover. In this context, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), especially leucine, have been described as a strong nutritional stimulus able to enhance protein translation initiation and attenuate proteolysis. Furthermore, under inflammatory conditions, BCAA can be transaminated to glutamate in order to increase glutamine synthesis, which is a substrate highly consumed by inflammatory cells such as macrophages. The present review describes the role of inflammation on muscle remodeling and the possible metabolic and cellular effects of BCAA supplementation in the modulation of inflammatory status of skeletal muscle and the consequences on protein synthesis and degradation. (AU)