Progress Of Treatment Of Liver Cirrhosis By Branched Chain Amino Acid

The liver plays an essential role in nutrient metabolism, patients with cirrhosis suffer from metabolic disorders of carbohydrate,fat and protein, which leads to protein-energy malnutrition(PEM).PEM is associated with poor quality of life and high mortality.Due to decrease of immunity in patients,the opportunity of infection has largely increased. A large number of clinical trials show that branched chain amino acid(BCAA) can improve nutrient metabolism and raise the immunity. In addition,it can reduce the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.This review discusses the progress of research on the effect of BCAA in the treatment of patients with cirrhosis.