Branched-chain amino acids in catabolic states

In states of protein loss, such as starvation, injury and diabetes mellitus, the circulating concentrations of those amino acids with branched chains (BCAA), i.e. leucine, isoleucine and valine, are selectively increased. This finding, together with the known differences in metabolism between the BCAA and other amino acids This account briefly examines whether the special interest in these amino acids is justified and how far recent advances may be applied to clinical states in man.