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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Immunomodulatory role of branched-chain amino acids

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Author(s):
Bonvini, Andrea [1] ; Coqueiro, Audrey Y. [1] ; Tirapegui, Julio [1] ; Calder, Philip C. [2, 3, 4] ; Rogero, Marcelo M. [5]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Food & Expt Nutr, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Southampton, Southampton, Hants - England
[3] Univ Southampton, Fac Med, Human Dev & Hlth Acad Unit, Southampton, Hants - England
[4] Univ Hosp Southampton NHS Fdn Trust, NIHR Southampton Biomed Res Ctr, Southampton, Hants - England
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Publ Hlth, Dept Nutr, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Review article
Source: NUTRITION REVIEWS; v. 76, n. 11, p. 840-856, NOV 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been associated with immunomodulation since the mid-1970s and 1980s and have been used in the nutritional therapy of critically ill patients. Evidence shows that BCAAs can directly contribute to immune cell function, aiding recovery of an impaired immune system, as well as improving the nutritional status in cancer and liver diseases. Branched-chain amino acids may also play a role in treatment of patients with sepsis or trauma, contributing to improved clinical outcomes and survival. Branched-chain amino acids, especially leucine, are activators of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which, in turn, interacts with several signaling pathways involved in biological mechanisms of insulin action, protein synthesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. Although many in vitro and human and animal model studies have provided evidence for the biological activity of BCAAs, findings have been conflicting, and the mechanisms of action of these amino acids are still poorly understood. This review addresses several aspects related to BCAAs, including their transport, oxidation, and mechanisms of action, as well as their role in nutritional therapy and immunomodulation. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 16/04910-0 - Effect of chronic supplementation with L-glutamine and L-alanine, in free form or as dipeptide, on parameters associated with fatigue in rats subjected to resistance training.
Grantee:Julio Orlando Tirapegui Toledo
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 16/11360-6 - Effects of branched chain amino acids in the inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a macrophage cell line raw 264.7
Grantee:Andrea Bonvini
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)