Sex-specific differences in plasma branched-chain keto acid levels in obesity

Abstract

Obesity was associated with a significant increase in postabsorptive plasma concentrations of the branched-chain keto acids in men but not in women matched for body-mass index and age. Plasma glucose and serum insulin were significantly higher in obese subjects than in nonobese control subjects. Obese women had more adipose tissue than did obese men from the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness. It is suggested that augmentation in plasma branched-chain keto acids in obesity may reflect insulin resistance and that the apparent differences observed between obese women and men may be due to differences in body composition.

Obesity-related elevations in plasma leucine are associated with alterations in enzymes involved in branched-chain amino acid metabolism

“…We found elevated plasma BCAAs in ob/ob mice and high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice and in Zucker fatty rats, in agreement with previous reports in obese humans and Zucker fatty rats (4,5,11,12,37,46,48,49,52,56). These elevations were associated with reductions in the activity or amount of enzymes involved in the early steps of BCAA metabolisms in selective tissues, including liver and fat.…”

“…obesity; mitochondrial branched chain amino acid transaminase; branched chain keto acid dehydrogenase; branched chain keto acid dehydrogenase kinase; ob/ob mice; Zucker rats; bariatric surgery; humans PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are elevated in humans and animal models of obesity (4,11,12,31,37,46,48,52,56). Although the plasma levels of other amino acids may also change in obesity, the rises in the BCAAs are of particular interest because they appear to have unique obesity-related effects.…”

Alteration of myocardial GRK2 produces a global metabolic phenotype

“…On the one hand, many reports have suggested that increased levels of BCAA have beneficial effects on various aspects of obesity and metabolic syndrome including satiety and glycemia (33)(34)(35). On the other hand, several studies link elevated BCAA levels with obesity and extent of insulin resistance (36)(37)(38). Additional evidence demonstrates that BCAA metabolism plays a critical role in regulating adipocyte differentiation and lipid synthesis.…”

Perinatal western‐type diet and associated gestational weight gain alter postpartum maternal mood

“…Open field test was used to assess activity levels and anxiety‐like behavior (Schauder, Zavelberg, Langer, & Herbertz, 1987). Animals were placed in a square enclosure 40 cm by 45.1 cm with walls 34.9 cm high and allowed to explore freely for 10 min.…”