Specific plasma amino acid disturbances associated with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

PurposeThe primary objective of the present study was to examine the association between branched chain and aromatic amino acid profiles (BCAA and AAA respectively) and the metabolic syndrome (MS), and to evaluate the clinical utility of these associations in the diagnostic process.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty three healthy men with MS [MS(+): n = 165] and without MS [MS(−): n = 98] were enrolled in the observational study. Anthropometrical, biochemical, and amino acid measurements were performed. The ability of the BCAA and AAA to discriminate subjects with MS and insulin resistance was tested. Based on logistic discrimination, a multivariate early MS diagnostic model was built, and its discrimination properties were evaluated.ResultsTwo functionally independent amino acid clusters were identified. BCAA and phenylalanine differed significantly between MS(+) and MS(−) participants (P = 0.003). These factors were also found to be indicators of MS(+) individuals (AUC: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.5757–0.7469), and correlated with cardiometabolic factors. No statistically significant differences in amino acid concentrations between those with and without insulin resistance were noted, and none of the amino groups were indicators of insulin resistance. The proposed MS multivariate diagnostic model consisted of phenylalanine, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin, and had good discrimination properties [AUC 0.79; 95% CI: 0.7239–0.8646].ConclusionsMS is associated with selective BCAA and AAA profile disturbances, which could be part of cardiometabolic disease pathogenesis and derive neither directly from insulin sensitivity impairment, nor obesity or muscle mass. The MS diagnostic model developed and described herein should be validated in future studies.

Detection of Early Disease Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome: A New Era with the NMR Metabolomics Assessment

“…This fact is showed in the study of the relation between circulating metabolites and abdominal obesity in twin's brothers [45] or the study revealing the predisposition to develop T2D in Chinese population [46]. Moreover, in 263 healthy men with MetS and their control counterparts, Siomkajło et al proposed a diagnostic model consisted of phenylalanine as a marker obtained from omics technologies and other classical determinations [47].…”

Zinc supplementation reduces diet-induced obesity and improves insulin sensitivity in rats

“…It shows advantages in obese individuals when it is associated with physical activity, which activates fatty acid oxidation (Holecek 2018). On the other hand, the increase in BCAA plasma levels related to a reduction in amino acid catabolism may indicate type 2 diabetes mellitus (Siomkajlo et al 2017;Wang et al 2011). In this context, D r a f t BCAA supplementation could be a useful tool in the prevention of obesity or in association with a weight loss diet or a physical exercise program.…”

“…These are essential amino acids, which participate in the regulation of body protein balance and insulin secretion, modulation of the immune system, and reduction of muscle injury post-exercise (Fan et al 2017;Holecek 2018). Elevated blood levels of BCAA are found in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (Batch et al 2014;Newgard et al 2009), making them putative biomarkers of these metabolic diseases (Siomkajlo et al 2017). In contrast, a population-based study showed that a higher BCAA intake was associated with a lower prevalence of overweight and obesity (Qin et al 2011).…”

1H NMR Based Serum Metabolic Profiling Reveals Differentiating Biomarkers in Patients with Diabetes and Diabetes Comorbidity

“…They serve as substrates for protein synthesis, glyconeogenesis, ureagenesis and precursors for syntheses of hormones and low-molecular-weight nitrogenous substances and various other catabolic processes 42 . Metabolic alterations in amino acids levels (a) essential, non-essential, conditionally essential, (b) glucogenic and ketogenic, (c) branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and aromatic amino acids (AAA) in the serum are common in conditions of disease (e.g., cancer, diabetes) [43][44] . Amino acids serve as a key source of energy, especially during conditions in which glucose availability is limited.…”