Oproep

The role of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the stimulation of skeletal muscle protein synthesis

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, i.e. leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are a specific subgroup of amino acids thought to be important for maintaining muscle mass, but may also prevent muscles from getting important nutrients (i.e. glucose) from the blood. Investigating the effect of BCAA on muscle protein synthesis has predominantly been done by supplementing. However, the effect of acute ingestion of BCAA on muscle protein synthesis and muscle glucose uptake (i.e. direct measure of muscle insulin sensitivity) is currently not known.

Project description

Currently, the lack of knowledge on the impact of dietary BCAA ingestion on postprandial MPS and muscle glucose uptake hinders, and may even preclude, the development of effective interventional strategies to preserve muscle mass and metabolic health across the lifespan. As such, the rationale for this work is to increase our understanding of muscle metabolism, by for the first time, investigating the effect on acute amino acid ingestion, with or without BCAA intake, on muscle protein synthesis and insulin sensitivity.

Who are we looking for?

  • In total, we aim to include 28 young (18-35 y), healthy males and females (18.5 < BMI <30 kg∙m-2).

What's in it for you?

  • €150 reimbursement

Who can participate?

Inclusion criteria:

• Aged from 18-35 years

• 18.5 < BMI < 30 kg·m2

• Recreationally active (performing non-competitive physical exercise at least one time per week for minimally 30 minutes)

Exclusion criteria:

• Smoking

• Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or genetic form of diabetes)

• Any diagnosed cardiovascular (heart) disease or high blood pressure (≥140 mmHg systolic and/or ≥90 mmHg diastolic)

• Chronic use of any prescribed or over the counter pharmaceuticals (excluding oral contraceptives and contraceptive devices)

• Known allergy to lidocaine

• Prone to keloid forming (i.e. hyperplastic growth of scars).

• Regular use of dietary protein and/or amino acid supplements (>3 times per week)

• Currently involved in a structured progressive resistance training programme (>3 times per week)

• A personal or family history of thrombosis (clots), epilepsy, seizures, or schizophrenia.

• Any previous motor disorders or disorders in muscle and/or lipid metabolism

• Presence of an ulcer in the stomach or gut and/or strong history of indigestion

• Known severe kidney problems

• Pregnant or breastfeeding

• Unable to give consent

What does the study involve?

The screening visit will be ~1.5 hours, to ensure that you are eligible to participate.

Suitable to participate?

You will visit the university once (~8 hours). You will

consume a test drink and receive an IV with

labelled amino acids, followed by frequent blood samples

and 3 muscle samples from the leg.

How to participate

Would you like to contribute to this important scientific research? Check if you fit the participant profile and read the information brochure. Email sam.oakley@wur.nl or contact Sam Oakley on +447375129952 stating you are interested in the study.