The Impacts of Branched Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Adipocyte Function

Abstract

The branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are three essential amino acids: valine, leucine, and isoleucine. Adipose tissue has high rates of BCAA degradation and this has been shown to fuel normal function. Recent literature highlights cross- talk between BCAAs, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The objective of this thesis is to determine the impact of BCAA supplementation on adipose development, morphology, and various aspects of energy metabolism including BCAA degradation and lipolysis.C57-BL6N mice were reared on either low-fat (LF), LF with 150% BCAAs (LB), high-fat (HF), or HF with 150% BCAAs (HB) diets for 12-34 weeks. Adipose tissue morphology and energetics were determined. Results demonstrated that BCAA supplementation reduced lipid storage in visceral adipose depots, lowered circulating leptin, and reduced lipid accumulation in brown adipose tissue. BCAA supplementation also induced lipolysis, which raised circulating fatty acids. These results could have implications in the treatment and prevention of metabolic diseases.