Effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on branched-chain amino acid requirement

Abstract

Little is known regarding the impact of liver transplantation on amino acid requirements in children. Since plasma levels of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are decreased in the presence of normal levels of the aromatic amino acids after liver transplantation, normalization of hepatic function may not fully correct changes in BCAA metabolism that occur in the pretransplant period. The goal of the present study was to determine total BCAA requirements of children following liver transplantation. The requirement of total BCAA was determined using indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) in five clinically stable children (5.7 +/- 3.5 y, mean +/- SD) 1-8 y post liver transplantation. Children received in random order 6 graded intakes of total BCAA. Individual BCAA in the test diet were provided in the same proportions as present in egg protein to minimize the potential interactive effects of individual BCAA on assessment of requirement. Total BCAA requirement was determined by measuring the oxidation of L-[1-13C] phenylalanine to 13CO2 [F13CO2 in micromol/kg/h], after a primed, continuous infusion of the tracer and using a two-phase linear regression crossover regression analysis. The estimated average requirement and the upper limit of the 95% CI for total BCAA in children who have undergone liver transplantation were 172 and 206 mg/kg/d), respectively. Total BCAA requirement in children who have undergone orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remain increased in the post-liver transplant period when compared with healthy school aged children, but is decreased when compared with children with mild-moderate chronic cholestatic (MCC) liver disease.