Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Infusions on Liver Regeneration and Plasma Amino Acid Patterns in Partially Hepatectomized Rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Even though solutions of high branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are known to be beneficial to patients with hepatic encephalopathy, data on the effects of BCAA on liver regeneration are limited. METHODOLOGY: Two groups of young adult rats were utilized in this study: standard total parenteral nutrition solutions were administered to group SS (22.59% of BCAAs in total amino acids) and solutions high in BCAAs were given to group HS (34.44% of BCAAs). After 2 days of infusion, 70% partial hepatectomy was performed and the TPN infusions were continued for another 3 days. Liver regeneration was estimated and changes in serum amino acid patterns were determined 3 days after hepatectomy. RESULTS: Thymidine incorporation into liver DNA, in group HS was significantly higher than that in group SS (378±56 vs. 324±38, p=0.032). In group SS, the total concentration of BCAAs decreased (165.11±39.90mg/dL and 145.56±29.53mg/dL, p=0.014) over the experimental period, whereas that of aromatic amino acids (AAAs) increased (226.56±36.5mg/dL and 247.00±48.36mg/dL, p=0.104). However, group HS showed no changes in BCAA or AAA sums over the experimental period. CONCLUSIONS: After major hepatectomy, supplementation with high BCAAs helps not only to maintain a stable plasma BCAA/AAA ratio, but also promotes liver regeneration.