• 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 74  (4) , 677-682
Abstract
Amino acids were measured in 56 alcoholics and 32 nonalcoholics with liver disease, and in an experimental model of alcoholic liver injury in the baboon. Dietary protein deficiency depressed branched-chain amino acids and decreased .alpha.-amino-n-butyric acid [ABA]. Chronic alcoholic consumption selectively increased these amino acids both in short term (2-4 wk) studies in human beings and in 1-4 yr studies in baboons. Moderate liver injury had no significant effects on these amino acids whereas advanced cirrhosis depressed branched-chain amino acids. Plasma branched-chain amino acids and [ABA] in the alcoholic were affected by at least 3 variables: dietary protein deficiency and advanced cirrhosis which decreased these amino acids, and chronic alcohol consumption which increased them.