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[Plasma amino acid levels in alcoholics]
T Saito1, M Watanabe, K Nakamura
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Hokkaido, Japan.
Arukoru Kenkyu to Yakubutsu Izon = Japanese Journal of Alcohol Studies & Drug Dependence
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Alcohol dependence disrupts amino acid metabolism, lowering the branched-chain amino acid to aromatic amino acid (BCAA/AAA) ratio, particularly in patients with withdrawal symptoms. Supplementation normalized this ratio and improved liver function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Hepatology
Context:
- Alcohol dependence is associated with significant physiological disturbances.
- Altered plasma amino acid profiles are observed in alcoholics, potentially linked to liver dysfunction.
- The role of specific amino acid imbalances in alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) requires further elucidation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between plasma amino acid concentrations (aromatic amino acids [AAA] and branched-chain amino acids [BCAA]) and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- To examine the correlation between the BCAA/AAA molar ratio and markers of liver function and clinical symptoms in alcoholics.
- To evaluate the therapeutic effect of oral amino acid supplementation on amino acid metabolism and liver function in alcohol-dependent patients.
Summary:
- Plasma BCAA/AAA molar ratios were analyzed in 197 alcoholics. Significantly lower BCAA/AAA ratios were found in patients experiencing emotional disturbance or transient hallucinations.
- The BCAA/AAA ratio showed negative correlations with plasma total bilirubin and LDH, and positive correlations with choline esterase and albumin, indicating a link to liver function.
- Oral administration of an amino acid preparation (Aminoleban EN) increased the BCAA/AAA ratio and improved liver function tests, suggesting a role for amino acid metabolism in AWS pathogenesis.
Impact:
- These findings suggest that impaired amino acid metabolism due to liver damage in alcohol dependence plays a crucial role in the development of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
- Restoring normal amino acid balance may be a potential therapeutic strategy for managing AWS.
- Highlights the intricate connection between liver health, nutrient metabolism, and neurological complications in chronic alcoholism.