Protein Turnover, Ureagenesis and Gluconeogenesis

2011 ◽  
Vol 81 (23) ◽  
pp. 101-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Schutz
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Protein Turnover ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Free Amino ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Protein Breakdown ◽  
De Novo Synthesis ◽  
Body Protein ◽  
Free Amino Acid Pool

The major processes discussed below are protein turnover (degradation and synthesis), degradation into urea, or conversion into glucose (gluconeogenesis, Figure 1). Daily protein turnover is a dynamic process characterized by a double flux of amino acids: the amino acids released by endogenous (body) protein breakdown can be reutilized and reconverted to protein synthesis, with very little loss. Daily rates of protein turnover in humans (300 to 400 g per day) are largely in excess of the level of protein intake (50 to 80 g per day). A fast growing rate, as in premature babies or in children recovering from malnutrition, leads to a high protein turnover rate and a high protein and energy requirement. Protein metabolism (synthesis and breakdown) is an energy-requiring process, dependent upon endogenous ATP supply. The contribution made by whole-body protein turnover to the resting metabolic rate is important: it represents about 20 % in adults and more in growing children. Metabolism of proteins cannot be disconnected from that of energy since energy balance influences net protein utilization, and since protein intake has an important effect on postprandial thermogenesis - more important than that of fats or carbohydrates. The metabolic need for amino acids is essentially to maintain stores of endogenous tissue proteins within an appropriate range, allowing protein homeostasis to be maintained. Thanks to a dynamic, free amino acid pool, this demand for amino acids can be continuously supplied. The size of the free amino acid pool remains limited and is regulated within narrow limits. The supply of amino acids to cover physiological needs can be derived from 3 sources: 1. Exogenous proteins that release amino acids after digestion and absorption 2. Tissue protein breakdown during protein turnover 3. De novo synthesis, including amino acids (as well as ammonia) derived from the process of urea salvage, following hydrolysis and microflora metabolism in the hind gut. When protein intake surpasses the physiological needs of amino acids, the excess amino acids are disposed of by three major processes: 1. Increased oxidation, with terminal end products such as CO2 and ammonia 2. Enhanced ureagenesis i. e. synthesis of urea linked to protein oxidation eliminatesthe nitrogen radical 3. Gluconeogenesis, i. e. de novo synthesis of glucose. Most of the amino groups of the excess amino acids are converted into urea through the urea cycle, whereas their carbon skeletons are transformed into other intermediates, mostly glucose. This is one of the mechanisms, essential for life, developed by the body to maintain blood glucose within a narrow range, (i. e. glucose homeostasis). It includes the process of gluconeogenesis, i. e. de novo synthesis of glucose from non-glycogenic precursors; in particular certain specific amino acids (for example, alanine), as well as glycerol (derived from fat breakdown) and lactate (derived from muscles). The gluconeogenetic pathway progressively takes over when the supply of glucose from exogenous or endogenous sources (glycogenolysis) becomes insufficient. This process becomes vital during periods of metabolic stress, such as starvation.

scholarly journals De Novo Synthesis of Amino Acids by the Ruminal Bacteria Prevotella bryantii B14,Selenomonas ruminantium HD4, and Streptococcus bovis ES1

1998 ◽  
Vol 64 (8) ◽  
pp. 2836-2843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cengiz Atasoglu ◽  
Carmen Valdés ◽  
Nicola D. Walker ◽  
C. James Newbold ◽  
R. John Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Streptococcus Bovis ◽  
De Novo Synthesis ◽  
Ruminal Bacteria ◽  
Total N ◽  
Selenomonas Ruminantium ◽  
Prevotella Bryantii

ABSTRACT The influence of peptides and amino acids on ammonia assimilation and de novo synthesis of amino acids by three predominant noncellulolytic species of ruminal bacteria, Prevotella bryantii B14, Selenomonas ruminantiumHD4, and Streptococcus bovis ES1, was determined by growing these bacteria in media containing 15NH4Cl and various additions of pancreatic hydrolysates of casein (peptides) or amino acids. The proportion of cell N and amino acids formed de novo decreased as the concentration of peptides increased. At high concentrations of peptides (10 and 30 g/liter), the incorporation of ammonia accounted for less than 0.16 of bacterial amino acid N and less than 0.30 of total N. At 1 g/liter, which is more similar to peptide concentrations found in the rumen, 0.68, 0.87, and 0.46 of bacterial amino acid N and 0.83, 0.89, and 0.64 of total N were derived from ammonia by P. bryantii, S. ruminantium, andS. bovis, respectively. Concentration-dependent responses were also obtained with amino acids. No individual amino acid was exhausted in any incubation medium. For cultures of P. bryantii, peptides were incorporated and stimulated growth more effectively than amino acids, while cultures of the other species showed no preference for peptides or amino acids. Apparent growth yields increased by between 8 and 57%, depending on the species, when 1 g of peptides or amino acids per liter was added to the medium. Proline synthesis was greatly decreased when peptides or amino acids were added to the medium, while glutamate and aspartate were enriched to a greater extent than other amino acids under all conditions. Thus, the proportion of bacterial protein formed de novo in noncellulolytic ruminal bacteria varies according to species and the form and identity of the amino acid and in a concentration-dependent manner.

scholarly journals Impact of habituated dietary protein intake on fasting and postprandial whole-body protein turnover and splanchnic amino acid metabolism in elderly men: a randomized, controlled, crossover trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 112 (6) ◽  
pp. 1468-1484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grith Højfeldt ◽  
Jacob Bülow ◽  
Jakob Agergaard ◽  
Ali Asmar ◽  
Peter Schjerling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Protein Turnover ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Amino Acid Metabolism ◽  
Acid Metabolism ◽  
High Protein ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Body Protein ◽  
Protein Absorption ◽  
Fasted State

ABSTRACT Background Efficacy of protein absorption and subsequent amino acid utilization may be reduced in the elderly. Higher protein intakes have been suggested to counteract this. Objectives We aimed to elucidate how habituated amounts of protein intake affect the fasted state of, and the stimulatory effect of a protein-rich meal on, protein absorption, whole-body protein turnover, and splanchnic amino acid metabolism. Methods Twelve men (65–70 y) were included in a double-blinded crossover intervention study, consisting of a 20-d habituation period to a protein intake at the RDA or a high amount [1.1 g · kg lean body mass (LBM)−1 · d−1 or >2.1 g · kg LBM−1 · d−1, respectively], each followed by an experimental trial with a primed, constant infusion of D8-phenylalanine and D2-tyrosine. Arterial and hepatic venous blood samples were obtained after an overnight fast and repeatedly 4 h after a standardized meal including intrinsically labeled whey protein concentrate and calcium-caseinate proteins. Blood was analyzed for amino acid concentrations and phenylalanine and tyrosine tracer enrichments from which whole-body and splanchnic amino acid and protein kinetics were calculated. Results High (compared with the recommended amount of) protein intake resulted in a higher fasting whole-body protein turnover with a resultant mean ± SEM 0.03 ± 0.01 μmol · kg LBM−1 · min−1 lower net balance (P < 0.05), which was not rescued by the intake of a protein-dense meal. The mean ± SEM plasma protein fractional synthesis rate was 0.13 ± 0.06%/h lower (P < 0.05) after habituation to high protein. Furthermore, higher fasting and postprandial amino acid removal were observed after habituation to high protein, yielding higher urea excretion and increased phenylalanine oxidation rates (P < 0.01). Conclusions Three weeks of habituation to high protein intake (>2.1 g protein · kg LBM−1 · d−1) led to a significantly higher net protein loss in the fasted state. This was not compensated for in the 4-h postprandial period after intake of a meal high in protein. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02587156.

EFFECT OF CORTISOL TREATMENT ON FREE AMINO ACID LEVELS IN RATS

1973 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. DE LOECKER ◽  
M. L. STAS
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Free Amino Acid ◽  
Protein Turnover ◽  
Free Amino Acids ◽  
Free Amino ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Amino Acid Levels ◽  
Amino Acid Concentrations

SUMMARY Changes in the concentrations of free amino acids in intracellular fluids and blood plasma were measured in rats treated with cortisol. Increasing age raised the concentrations of free amino acids in plasma, while in liver, with the exception of glycine and alanine, decreased concentrations were observed. Cortisol treatment reduced free amino acid levels in plasma and liver which suggested a progressive catabolism of body proteins and increased protein synthesis in the liver. In skeletal muscle of control rats the free amino acid concentrations increased during the experimental period. Cortisol increased the concentration of certain amino acids and decreased that of others due to an increased protein turnover in muscle.

scholarly journals Splanchnic-bed transfers of amino acids in sheep blood and plasma, as monitored through use of a multiple U-13C-labelled amino acid mixture

1996 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. Lobley ◽  
A. Connell ◽  
D. K. Revell ◽  
B. J. Bequette ◽  
D. S. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Free Amino Acids ◽  
Free Amino ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Acid Mixture ◽  
Body Protein ◽  
Hydrolysis Of

AbstractThe response in whole-body and splanchnic tissue mass and isotope amino acid transfers in both plasma and blood has been studied in sheep offered 800 g lucerne (Medicago sutiva) pellets/d. Amino acid mass transfers were quantified over a 4 h period,by arterio-venous procedures, across the portal-drained viscera (PDV) and liver on day 5 of an intravenous infusion of either vehicle or the methylated products, choline (0.5 g/d) plus creatine (10 g/d). Isotopic movements were monitored over the same period during a 10 h infusion of a mixture of U-13C-labelled amino acids obtained from hydrolysis of labelled algal cells. Sixteen amino acids were monitored by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, with thirteen of these analysed within a single chromatographic analysis. Except for methionine, which is discussed in a previous paper, no significant effects of choline plus creatine infusion were observed on any of the variables reported. Whole-body protein irreversible-loss rates ranged from 158 to 245 g/d for the essential amino acids, based on the relative enrichments (dilution of the U-13C molecules by those unlabelled) of free amino acids in arterial plasma, and 206-519 g/d, when blood free amino acid relative enrichments were used for the calculations. Closer agreement was obtained between lysine, threonine, phenylalanine and the branched-chain amino acids. Plasma relative enrichments always exceeded those in blood (P < 0.001), possibly due to hydrolysis of peptides or degradation of protein within the erythrocyte or slow equilibration between plasma and the erythrocyte. Net absorbed amino acids across the PDV were carried predominantly in the plasma. Little evidence was obtained of any major and general involvement of the erythrocytes in the transport of free amino acids from the liver. Net isotope movements also supported these findings. Estimates of protein synthesis rates across the PDV tissues from [U-13C] leucine kinetics showed good agreement with previous values obtained with single-labelled leucine. Variable rates were obtained between the essential amino acids, probably due to different intracellular dilutions. Isotope dilution across the liver was small and could be attributed predominantly to uni-directional transfer from extracellular sources into the hepatocytes and this probably dominates the turnover of the intracellular hepatic amino acid pools.

Transmembrane transport and intracellular kinetics of amino acids in human skeletal muscle

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (1) ◽  
pp. E75-E84 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Biolo ◽  
R. Y. Fleming ◽  
S. P. Maggi ◽  
R. R. Wolfe
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Human Skeletal Muscle ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Transmembrane Transport ◽  
Acid Transport ◽  
De Novo Synthesis ◽  
Intracellular Amino Acid

We have used stable isotopic tracers of amino acids to measure in vivo transmembrane transport of phenylalanine, leucine, lysine, alanine, and glutamine as well as the rates of intracellular amino acid appearance from proteolysis, de novo synthesis, and disappearance to protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle. Calculations were based on data obtained by the arteriovenous catheterization of the femoral vessels and muscle biopsy. We found that the fractional contribution of transport from the bloodstream to the total intracellular amino acid appearance depends on the individual amino acid, varying between 0.63 +/- 0.02 for phenylalanine and 0.22 +/- 0.02 for alanine. Rates of alanine and glutamine de novo synthesis were approximately eight and five times their rate of appearance from protein breakdown, respectively. The model-derived rate of protein synthesis was highly correlated with the same value calculated by means of the tracer incorporation technique. Furthermore, amino acid transport rates were in the range expected from literature values. Consequently, we conclude that our new model provides a valid means of quantifying the important aspects of protein synthesis, breakdown, and amino acid transport in human subjects.

Physiological hypercortisolemia increases proteolysis, glutamine, and alanine production

1988 ◽  
Vol 255 (3) ◽  
pp. E366-E373 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Darmaun ◽  
D. E. Matthews ◽  
D. M. Bier
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Severe Trauma ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
De Novo Synthesis ◽  
Body Protein ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Physiological elevations of plasma cortisol levels, as are encountered in stress and severe trauma, were produced in six normal subjects by infusing them with 140 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 of hydrocortisone for 64 h. Amino acid kinetics were measured in the postabsorptive state using three 4-h infusions of L-[1-13C]leucine, L-[phenyl-2H5]-phenylalanine, L-[2-15N]glutamine, and L-[1-13C]alanine tracers 1) before, 2) at 12 h, and 3) at 60 h of cortisol infusion. Before and throughout the study, the subjects ate a normal diet of adequate protein (0.8 g.kg-1.day-1) and energy intake. The cortisol infusion raised plasma cortisol levels significantly from 10 +/- 1 to 32 +/- 4 micrograms/dl, leucine flux from 83 +/- 3 to 97 +/- 3 mumol.kg-1.h-1, and phenylalanine flux from 34 +/- 1 to 39 +/- 1 (SE) mumol.kg-1.h-1 after 12 h of cortisol infusion. These increases were maintained until the cortisol infusion was terminated (64 h). These nearly identical 15% increases in two different essential amino acid appearance rates are reflective of increased whole body protein breakdown. Glutamine flux rose from 325 +/- 28 to 453 +/- 28 mumol.kg-1.h-1 by 12 h of cortisol infusion and remained elevated at the same level at 64 h. The increase in flux was primarily due to a 55% increase in glutamine de novo synthesis. Alanine flux increased from 207 +/- 13 to 285 +/- 23 mumol.kg-1.h-1 with acute hypercortisolemia and increased further to 475 +/- 59 mumol.kg-1.h-1 at 60 h of cortisol infusion, a result primarily of increased alanine de novo synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Whole body protein synthesis: studies with different amino acids in the rat

1989 ◽  
Vol 257 (5) ◽  
pp. E639-E646 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Obled ◽  
F. Barre ◽  
D. J. Millward ◽  
M. Arnal
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Protein Turnover ◽  
Specific Radioactivity ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Body Protein ◽  
Tissue Specific ◽  
Dose Method ◽  
Infusion Method

These studies were undertaken to determine to what extent constant infusion measurements and plasma sampling could provide sensible answers for rates of whole body protein turnover and also which amino acid would be the most representative probe of whole body protein turnover. Whole body protein synthesis rates were estimated in 70-g rats with L-[U-14C]threonine, L-[U-14C]lysine, L-[U-14C]tyrosine, L-[U-14C]phenylalanine, and L-[1-14C]leucine by either simultaneous tracer infusion of four amino acids or by injections of large quantities of 14C-labeled amino acids. In the infusion experiment, indirect estimates of whole body protein turnover based on free amino acid specific radioactivity and stochastic modeling were compared with direct measurement of the incorporation of the tracer into proteins. These two methods of analysis provided similar results for each amino acid, although in each case fractional synthesis rates were lower (by between 26 and 63%) when calculations were based on plasma rather than tissue specific radioactivity. With the flooding-dose method, whole body fractional protein synthesis rates were 41.4, 25.6, 31.1, and 31.4% with threonine, lysine, phenylalanine, and leucine, respectively. These values were similar to those obtained by the continuous infusion method using tissue specific radioactivity for threonine and lysine. For leucine, however, the flooding-dose method provided an intermediate value between the two estimates derived either from the plasma or the tissue specific radioactivity in the infusion method.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of larval Digenea on the free amino acid pool of Littorina littorea (L.)

Parasitology ◽  
1971 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart D. M. Watts
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Free Amino Acid ◽  
Free Amino Acids ◽  
Free Amino ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Amino Acid Pool ◽  
Littorina Littorea ◽  
Free Amino Acid Pool ◽  
Acid Pool

Quantitative chromatographic analysis of the free amino acids of the head–foot muscle of uninfected and infected Littorina littorea indicates that there is specific variation in the physiological effects of parasitism. The total concentration of free amino acids in the host head–foot muscle showed an increase of 10·9% with infections of Cryptocotyle lingua rediae, a decrease of 12·7% with infections of Himasthla leptosoma rediae and a decrease of 57·5% with infections of Cercaria emasculans sporocysts. These effects probably depend on three main factors namely, the nature, size and mobility of the larvae of the three species concerned and the influence of these factors in determining the extent of any damage to the hepatopancreas of the host.The larvae of C. lingua are probably less affected by the changes they induce in the free amino acid pool of the host than the larvae of H. leptosoma and Cercaria emasculans which induce changes equivalent to starvation.This work was conducted during the tenure of a Science Research Council Studentship. I would like to thank Professor B. John and Mr A. R. Hockley for their helpful advice and criticism.

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