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Branched-chain amino acids alter neurobehavioral function in rats
Anna Coppola1, Brett R Wenner, Olga Ilkayeva
1Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27704, USA.
American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism
|December 20, 2012
Summary
Supplementing diets with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) can cause anxiety-like behaviors in rats. This neurobehavioral impairment is linked to reduced brain tryptophan and kynurenic acid levels, potentially explaining obesity
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Disorders
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and aromatic amino acids (AAA) are linked to obesity and insulin resistance.
- Elevated BCAA levels are observed in human obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of BCAA on behavioral functions.
- To explore the neurochemical mechanisms underlying BCAA-induced behavioral changes.
Main Methods:
- Rats were fed high-sucrose or high-fat diets supplemented with BCAA.
- Behavioral tests were conducted to assess anxiety-like behavior.
- Brain tissue concentrations of tryptophan and its metabolites were measured.
Main Results:
- BCAA supplementation induced anxiety-like behavior in rats.
- This was associated with decreased brain tryptophan and kynurenic acid levels.
- Tryptophan supplementation reversed these behavioral and neurochemical changes.
Conclusions:
- Supplementation of high-energy diets with BCAA causes neurobehavioral impairment.
- BCAA may contribute to mood disorders associated with obesity via altered tryptophan metabolism.
- Findings suggest a potential mechanism linking obesity, BCAA, and mood disorders.
