Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Deirdre K. Tobias, Samia Mora, Subodh Verma, Filio Billia, Julie E. Buring, Patrick R. Lawler
Summary: The study found that fasting was associated with lower plasma BCAA levels in women without metabolic syndrome or T2D, but had no significant impact on women with Type 2 diabetes. These results suggest that impaired BCAA metabolism may be related to the pathophysiology of T2D.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tiangang Wu, Mengling Wang, Fengling Ning, Shilin Zhou, Xuetao Hu, Hong Xin, Svetlana Reilly, Xuemei Zhang
Summary: Fibrosis, characterized by excessive production of extracellular matrix, is a common pathological feature of organ diseases. Metabolic alterations, especially in the regulation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), have been found to play significant roles in fibrogenesis. Dysregulation of BCAAs metabolism has been implicated in various diseases. This review summarizes the metabolic regulation of fibrosis, changes in BCAAs metabolism associated with fibrosis, and the effects and mechanisms of BCAAs intervention in hepatic, renal, and cardiac fibrosis, with a focus on liver fibrosis and associated hepatocellular carcinoma.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jia-yu Yu, Nancy Cao, Christoph D. Rau, Ro-Po Lee, Jieping Yang, Rachel J. Roth Flach, Lauren Petersen, Cansheng Zhu, Yea-Lyn Pak, Russell A. Miller, Yunxia Liu, Yibin Wang, Zhaoping Li, Haipeng Sun, Chen Gao
Summary: Parallel to changes in fatty acid and glucose metabolism, defects in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism have been recognized as a metabolic hallmark and potential therapeutic target for heart failure. This study developed two mouse models to investigate the impact of BCAA catabolic defects in cardiomyocytes. The results showed that inactivation of the BCKDHA gene in cardiomyocytes led to loss of cardiac function and pathological changes, while inactivation of the BCKDK gene did not impact cardiac function. These findings establish the cell-autonomous role of BCAA catabolism in cardiac physiology and provide valuable models for studying BCAA-targeted therapy for heart failure.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Can Chen, Hassan Naveed, Keping Chen
Summary: This article introduces the important role of branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases in cellular metabolism, summarizes the related research in animals, plants, microorganisms, and humans, and analyzes the molecular mechanism. It has been found that disorders in branched-chain amino acid metabolism are closely related to various diseases, especially tumor development.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Daniel Ferguson, Sophie J. Eichler, Nicole K. H. Yiew, Jerry R. Colca, Kevin Cho, Gary J. Patti, Trevor M. Shew, Andrew J. Lutkewitte, Sandip Mukherjee, Kyle S. McCommis, Natalie M. Niemi, Brian N. Finck
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of MPC inhibitors (MPCi) on branched chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism and found that MPCi can lower plasma BCAA concentrations and activate AMPK and mTOR signaling pathways. However, the effects on glucose homeostasis may be separate from BCAA concentrations.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ranran Zhang, Hongna Mu, Ziyun Li, Jie Zeng, Qi Zhou, Hongxia Li, Siming Wang, Xianghui Li, Xianghui Zhao, Liang Sun, Wenxiang Chen, Jun Dong, Ruiyue Yang
Summary: BCAA supplementation has significant beneficial effects on MAFLD mouse model, reducing hepatic lipid accumulation and serum cholesterol levels, regulating the expression of lipogenesis and lipolysis-related enzymes in the liver, and improving gut microbiota diversity and composition.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Er Xu, Bangju Ji, Ketao Jin, Yefeng Chen
Summary: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and can influence tumor growth and progression. Increased levels of BCAAs have been associated with tumor growth inhibition, while a deficiency in BCAAs can promote tumor metastasis. BCAAs serve as nitrogen donors, contributing to the synthesis of macromolecules crucial for cancer cell growth. This review discusses the dual role of BCAAs in cancer and provides insights into their potential as therapeutic interventions.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Ahmad Ali, Ugo Chianese, Chiara Papulino, Antonella Toraldo, Mawada Elmagboul Abdalla Abakar, Eugenia Passaro, Rosario Cennamo, Nunzio Del Gaudio, Lucia Altucci, Rosaria Benedetti
Summary: This article describes the metabolic features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and discusses how this could be exploited as a weakness for clinical interventions. Metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of PDAC, and interventions on bioenergetic circuits could potentially reduce its aggressiveness.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paola Cuomo, Rosanna Capparelli, Antonio Iannelli, Domenico Iannelli
Summary: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) play an important role in human health. High levels of BCAAs are associated with various metabolic diseases, while low levels are beneficial for metabolic health. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the dysregulation caused by high levels of BCAAs are still under debate.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ximena Orozco-Ruiz, Andrea Anesi, Fulvio Mattivi, Monique M. B. Breteler
Summary: Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue function as endocrine organs and affect metabolic health through metabolite concentrations. This study found that certain metabolite concentrations associated with cardiometabolic risk markers are altered with increased visceral adipose tissue volume.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Froukje Vanweert, Marlies de Ligt, Joris Hoeks, Matthijs K. C. Hesselink, Patrick Schrauwen, Esther Phielix
Summary: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have elevated plasma branched-chain amino acid levels, which may be partly due to low mitochondrial oxidative capacity and compromised whole-body leucine oxidation rate.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Michaela E. Trautman, Nicole E. Richardson, Dudley W. Lamming
Summary: The proportion of people suffering from age-related diseases is increasing worldwide. Recent research has shown that low protein diets, particularly those low in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), can reduce mortality and promote metabolic health and extended lifespan in both humans and rodents. This article discusses the emerging evidence that BCAAs play a crucial role in healthy metabolism and longevity, and explores the physiological and molecular mechanisms behind the benefits of restricting dietary BCAAs. The findings suggest that the quality of protein, specifically the composition of dietary protein, may be a previously overlooked factor in metabolic dysfunction and reducing dietary BCAAs could be a promising new approach to delaying and preventing age-related diseases.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Phillip J. White, Robert W. McGarrah, Mark A. Herman, James R. Bain, Svati H. Shah, Christopher B. Newgard
Summary: The association of obesity and insulin resistance with increased levels of branched-chain and aromatic amino acids and decreased glycine levels is well-established. Human metabolomics and genetic studies have further confirmed these observations, with preclinical studies identifying mechanisms involved in amino acid homeostasis disruption and its connection to dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism, particularly in the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chuang Du, Wen-Jie Liu, Jing Yang, Shan-Shan Zhao, Hui-Xin Liu
Summary: This article introduces the importance of branched-chain amino acids in human physiology and their association with various metabolic disorders. It also discusses the relationship between the alteration of the branched-chain amino acid catabolism enzyme BCKDK and related diseases. Additionally, the article highlights the interaction between branched-chain amino acids and the gut microbiota.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeryia Mikalayeva, Monika Pankeviciute, Vaidotas Zvikas, V. Arvydas Skeberdis, Sergio Bordel
Summary: The degradation of branched chain amino acids serves as an important energy and carbon source for the proliferation of some cancer cells, providing a potential therapeutic target.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chak Kwong Cheng, Xiao Lin, Yujie Pu, Joyce Ka Yu Tse, Yu Wang, Cheng-Lin Zhang, Xiaoyun Cao, Chi Wai Lau, Juan Huang, Lei He, Jiang-Yun Luo, Yu-Tsung Shih, Song Wan, Chi Fai Ng, Li Wang, Ronald Ching Wan, Jeng-Jiann Chiu, Ting Fung Chan, Xiao Yu Tian, Yu Huang
Summary: This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to explore the transcriptional landscape and heterogeneity of dysfunctional endothelial cells in atherosclerotic aortae. SOX4 was identified as a novel marker for atherosclerosis and was shown to promote atherogenesis and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Hyperlipidemia-associated cytokines and oscillatory blood flow were found to upregulate SOX4 expression, while the anti-diabetic drug metformin suppressed SOX4 levels in endothelial cells.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lee-Ling Lim, Eric S. H. Lau, Johnny T. K. Cheung, Siew Pheng Chan, Linong Ji, Soo Lim, Sirinart Sirinvaravong, A. G. Unnikrishnan, Andrea O. Y. Luk, Viviana Cortese, Alexandra Durocher, Juliana C. N. Chan
Summary: This study explored the usage patterns of oral glucose-lowering drugs (OGLDs), particularly sulphonylureas (SUs), in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The findings showed that SUs, often combined with metformin, are a popular class of OGLDs in Asia. They are associated with good glycemic control and safety profiles.
DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lee-Ling Lim, Elaine Chow, Juliana C. N. Chan
Summary: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often have comorbidities and premature mortality. Traditional drugs and certain inhibitors have organ-protective effects, while SGLT2i, GLP1RA, and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists provide additional cardiorenal benefits. However, there are care gaps due to detection issues, therapeutic inertia, and poor adherence.
NATURE REVIEWS ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hongjiang Wu, Eric S. H. Lau, Aimin Yang, Xinge Zhang, Baoqi Fan, Ronald C. W. Ma, Alice P. S. Kong, Elaine Chow, Wing-Yee So, Juliana C. N. Chan, Andrea O. Y. Luk
Summary: This study examined the risk factors for mortality in people with type 2 diabetes and found that these factors have different impacts on different age groups. The study found that suboptimal blood pressure control was the leading risk factor for mortality in younger individuals, while chronic kidney disease (CKD) was the leading risk factor for older individuals. Therefore, early control of blood pressure is crucial for reducing premature mortality in young people and preventing CKD and related mortality in older individuals.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yingzhao Jin, Ho So, Ester Cerin, Anthony Barnett, Sumaira Mubarik, Kamal Hezam, Xiaoqi Feng, Ziyue Wang, Junjie Huang, Chenwen Zhong, Khezar Hayat, Fang Wang, Ai-Min Wu, Suowen Xu, Zhiyong Zou, Lee-Ling Lim, Jiao Cai, Yimeng Song, Lai-shan Tam, Dongze Wu
Summary: The disease burden attributable to metabolic risk factors is rapidly increasing in China, especially in older people. This study estimated the pattern and trend of six metabolic risk factors in China from 1990 to 2019, and compared the disease burden among G20 countries. The results showed that population aging continuously accelerates the metabolic risk factor driven disease burden in China.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aimin Yang, Mai Shi, Eric S. H. Lau, Hongjiang Wu, Xinge Zhang, Baoqi Fan, Alice P. S. Kong, Andrea O. Y. Luk, Ronald C. W. Ma, Juliana C. N. Chan, Elaine Chow
Summary: Discontinuation of ACEi/ARBs in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced-CKD is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular-renal events, emphasizing the importance of their continued use.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Noel Y. H. Ng, Hongjiang Wu, Eric S. H. Lau, Xinge Zhang, Aimin Yang, Atta Y. T. Tsang, Tiffany T. L. Yau, Alice P. S. Kong, Karen Ng, Jacqueline P. W. Chung, Elaine Y. K. Chow, Juliana C. N. Chan, Lai Ping Cheung, Andrea O. Y. Luk, Ronald C. W. Ma
Summary: This study aimed to determine the risk of progression to diabetes among Chinese women with PCOS. The findings showed that women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing diabetes, especially at a younger age. It is recommended to conduct frequent glycemic status screening and early diagnosis for young women with PCOS.
DIABETES RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Natural Chu, Tsz Yeung Chan, Yuen Kiu Chu, James Ling, Jie He, Kathy Leung, Ronald C. W. Ma, Juliana C. N. Chan, Elaine Chow
Summary: This study found that the dietary intake of minerals was negatively correlated with body fat in people with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). People with obesity had lower daily consumption of iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to overweight and normal weight individuals. Higher dietary magnesium and potassium intake were associated with lower body fat in people with IGT. Inadequate dietary mineral intake may contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders independent of macronutrients and fiber consumption.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lee-Ling Lim, Eric S. H. Lau, Alice P. S. Kong, Amy W. C. Fu, Vanessa Lau, Weiping Jia, Wayne H. H. Sheu, Leorino Sobrepena, K. H. Yoon, Alexander T. B. Tan, Yook-Chin Chia, Aravind Sosale, Banshi D. Saboo, Jothydev Kesavadev, Su-Yen Goh, Thy Khue Nguyen, Yotsapon Thewjitcharoen, Raymond Suwita, Ronald C. W. Ma, Elaine Y. K. Chow, Andrea O. Y. Luk, Juliana C. N. Chan
Summary: Diabetes-related death due to cardiorenal diseases is higher in women than men in Asia, possibly due to gender disparity in quality of care and health habits. A study assessed adults with type 2 diabetes from 11 Asian countries/areas and compared treatment target attainment, use of cardiorenal-protective drugs, and health habits by gender. The findings showed that in most countries/areas, men had higher rates of achieving treatment targets than women.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yingnan Fan, Eric S. H. Lau, Hongjiang Wu, Aimin Yang, Elaine Chow, Alice P. S. Kong, Ronald C. W. Ma, Juliana C. N. Chan, Andrea O. Y. Luk
Summary: This study compared the risk of diabetes-related complications and mortality in Chinese adults with type 1 diabetes onset and type 2 diabetes onset. The results showed that adults with type 1 diabetes onset had higher risks of diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and mortality compared to those with youth-onset type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes presenting at the same age.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Johnny T. K. Cheung, Aimin Yang, Hongjiang Wu, Eric S. H. Lau, Alice P. S. Kong, Ronald C. W. Ma, Andrea O. Y. Luk, Juliana C. N. Chan, Elaine Chow
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether early treatment intensification using dipeptidylpeptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) delays insulin initiation in Chinese patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for less than 5 years. The results showed that early DPP4i intensification and low glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) variability score (HVS) were associated with delayed insulin initiation.
DIABETES-METABOLISM RESEARCH AND REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
O. Chun-Kwan, Brian Wai-Hei Siu, Vanessa Wai-Shan Leung, Yuan-yuan Lin, Chen-zhao Ding, Eric Siu-Him Lau, Andrea On-Yan Luk, Elaine Yee-Kwan Chow, Ronald Ching-Wan Ma, Juliana Chung-Ngor Chan, Rachel Ngan-Yin Chan, Yun Kwok Wing, Alice Pik-Shan Kong
Summary: Insomnia, suboptimal glycemic control, and non-insulin use are independent risk factors for the development of chronic cognitive impairment in older adults with T2D.
JOURNAL OF DIABETES AND ITS COMPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hongjiang Wu, Aimin Yang, Eric S. H. Lau, Xinge Zhang, Baoqi Fan, Mai Shi, Chuiguo Huang, Ronald C. W. Ma, Alice P. S. Kong, Elaine Chow, Wing-Yee So, Juliana C. N. Chan, Andrea O. Y. Luk
Summary: The study analyzed data from 758,254 people with type 2 diabetes and 758,254 matched controls in Hong Kong. It found that type 2 diabetes was associated with increased risks of hospital bed-days for a wide range of medical conditions, and the association varied by age and sex. The study highlights the importance of considering age and sex differences in planning preventive and therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes, particularly focusing on mental health disorders.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wah-Kheong Chan, Kee-Huat Chuah, Ruveena Bhavani Rajaram, Lee-Ling Lim, Jeyakantha Ratnasingam, Shireene Ratna Vethakkan
Summary: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the latest term for steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome. It is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and liver-related morbidity and mortality. In tackling the public health threat of obesity and obesity-related diseases, including MASLD, it is important for all stakeholders to be involved. Simple and clear assessment and referral pathways using non-invasive tests are crucial to identifying and referring patients with severe MASLD to specialist care, while managing patients with milder disease in primary care.
JOURNAL OF OBESITY & METABOLIC SYNDROME
(2023)