The Complex Role of Branched Chain Amino Acids in Diabetes and Cancer

Abstract

The obesity and diabetes epidemics are continuing to spread across the globe. There is increasing evidence that diabetes leads to a significantly higher risk for certain types of cancer. Both diabetes and cancer are characterized by severe metabolic perturbations and the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) appear to play a significant role in both of these diseases. These essential amino acids participate in a wide variety of metabolic pathways, but it is now recognized that they are also critical regulators of a number of cell signaling pathways. An elevation in branched chain amino acids has recently been shown to be significantly correlated with insulin resistance and the future development of diabetes. In cancer, the normal demands for BCAAs are complicated by the conflicting needs of the tumor and the host. The severe muscle wasting syndrome experience by many cancer patients, known as cachexia, has motivated the use of BCAA supplementation. The desired improvement in muscle mass must be balanced by the need to avoid providing materials for tumor proliferation. A better understanding of the complex functions of BCAAs could lead to their use as biomarkers of the progression of certain cancers in diabetic patients.

Antioxidative and nitric oxide scavenging activity of branched-chain amino acids

“…They account for approximately one-third of the essential amino acids in muscle proteins and nearly 40% of the preformed amino acids required by mammals (6). These amino acids have unique chemical structures, including aliphatic side chains with a branch, which is why the BCAAs are named so (7).…”

Early Programming of Obesity Throughout the Life Course: A Metabolomics Perspective

“…Different hypotheses are discussed regarding the positive associations between BCAA and obesity as well as IR, for example, BCAA effects on the m-TOR pathway [58] . BCAA may activate m-TOR and cause IR in obese people.…”

The influence of a 3-week body mass reduction program on the metabolic parameters and free amino acid profiles in adult Polish people with obesity

“…25,26 The increased plasma BCAA concentration may be the result of the impaired BCAA-catabolizing capacity of the adipose tissue, an improper high-fat and highprotein diet (dietary protein comprised of >20% BCAA) and increased catabolic pathways of BCAAs. 13,20,27,28 So far, only a few studies rated the changes in the BCAA levels after weight loss through diet and physical activity, but those studies were conducted on different populations (especially Caucasian and Japanese subjects) and used another model of body mass reduction program (based on nutritional recommendation and lifestyle intervention, but not a strictly composed diet). A 7-year prospective KORA study on a group of Caucasian patients with obesity showed a significant correlation between the average percentage increase in body weight and the increase in the BCAA, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and glutamate levels.…”