Abstract: PO2049
Muscle Mitochondrial Function and Physical Performance Are Associated with Branched-Chain Amino Acid Levels in Patients with CKD
Session Information
- Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism: Clinical
October 22, 2020 | Location: On-Demand
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- 1300 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Authors
- Gamboa, Jorge, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Korucu, Berfu, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Peng, Dungeng, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Roshanravan, Baback, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States
- Ikizler, Talat Alp, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Background
Muscle mitochondrial function and physical performance are impaired in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies suggest that decreased branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) levels are associated with muscle catabolism in patients with CKD. We hypothesized that BCAA is lower in patients with CKD and associated with mitochondrial function and physical performance, critical components of protein-energy wasting observed in patients with CKD.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated 63 participants [20 with CKD stage 3-5, 20 with CKD stage 5 on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), and 20 controls with no history of CKD]. Mitochondrial function was evaluated using 31phosphours magnetic resonance spectroscopy to evaluate the phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery after exercise. A longer PCR recovery results in a greater time constant tau (τ), which indicates worsening mitochondrial function. Physical performance was measure using the six-minute walk test. BCAA levels were measured in plasma samples using nuclear magnetic resonance. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate association and adjusting by age, race, sex, and body mass index (BMI).
Results
Groups were similar in terms of gender, BMI, and history of diabetes and hypertension. Patients on MHD were younger than patients with CKD stage 3-4 (47.7±11.7 vs. 63.6±9.0) but had similar age compared to controls (46.9±9.5). BCAA levels were lower in patients with CKD and patients on MHD compared to controls (Figure 1A). Lower levels of BCAA, particularly leucine, were associated with worse mitochondrial function (higher time constant τ, Figure 1B) and lower physical performance (Figure 1C) in unadjusted and adjusted linear regression.
Conclusion
CKD is associated with lower levels of BCAA. Furthermore, low levels of BCAA are associated with impaired mitochondrial function and poor physical performance. Future studies should evaluate the effect of BCAA supplementation in mitochondrial function and physical performance in patients with CKD.
Funding
- NIDDK Support