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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.)

Leucine supplementation favors liver protein status but does not reduce body fat in rats during 1 week of food restriction

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Author(s):
Pedrosa, Rogerio G. [1, 2] ; Donato, Jr., Jose [3, 4] ; Pires, Ivanir S. [1] ; Tirapegui, Julio [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Food Sci & Expt Nutr, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Espirito Santo, CCA, Dept Zootechny, BR-29500000 Alegre, ES - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Anat, BR-05508 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] Univ Texas SW Med Ctr Dallas, Dept Internal Med, Div Hypothalam Res, Dallas, TX 75390 - USA
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY NUTRITION AND METABOLISM; v. 35, n. 2, p. 180-183, APR 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 9
Abstract

An important role in protein-energy metabolism has been attributed to leucine because of its long-term effects on body fat reduction and on the improvement of some indicators of protein status in rodents. The present study investigated the influence of leucine supplementation on the body composition and protein status of rats during the early phase of weight loss, which is characterized by a rapid loss of body weight. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups, a control and a leucine group (diet supplemented with 0.59% L-leucine), and were submitted to 1 week of 50% food restriction. The following parameters were evaluated: chemical carcass composition, protein and RNA content in liver and gastrocnemius muscle, and serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 and corticosterone. A higher liver weight and liver protein content were observed in the supplemented group (p < 0.05). However, no difference in body fat was found between groups (p > 0.05). The results indicate that low-dose leucine supplementation favors liver protein status but does not reduce body fat in rats during the early phase of rapid weight loss. (AU)