Progress in application of branched-chain amino acids in patients with liver cirrhosis

The metabolism of amino acids mainly takes place in the liver, and patients with liver cirrhosis may develop metabolic disorders of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, which in turn causes dysfunction of multiple organs and systems, as well as complications like hepatic encephalopathy, esophageal variceal bleeding, and ascites, resulting in high mortality. This paper summarizes the metabolic characteristics of amino acids and the application of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, and it points out the significance of BCAAs in regulating serum aminogram, increasing the ratio of BCAAs to aromatic amino acids, preventing complications of liver cirrhosis, and improving the quality of life for patients with the disease