Objective: To observe the effect of parenteral nutrition (PN) with branched-chain amino acid supplementation on protein metabolism after partial hepatectomy in rats with liver cirrhosis.
Methods: Eighteen rats with liver cirrhosis were randomly divided into pre-operation group (n=6), post-operation 8.5% Novamin PN group (n=6) and post-operation 10% Hepa PN group (n=6), with 6 normal rats severing as the normal control group. Five days after the operation, serum albumin (ALB), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) and plasma amino acid spectrum were measured, and ALB mRNA level in the liver was assayed using RT-PCR.
Results: Postoperative serum ALB was similar between 10% Hepa PN and 8.5% Novamine PN groups, but the rats in the latter group showed significantly increased serum IGF-1 level, Fischer ratio and hepatic ALB mRNA expression (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Administration of PN with branched-chain amino acid supplementation can ameliorate plasma amino acid spectrum and increase protein synthesis in rats with liver cirrhosis after partial hepatectomy.