Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are essential amino acids for protein synthesis. Recent studies have yielded new insights into their diverse physiological and pathological roles in health and disease. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. An increasing number of clinical studies have demonstrated that high levels of circulating BCAAs are associated with an increased risk of CVDs. Animal studies have provided preliminary evidence linking BCAA intake and metabolism with cardiovascular diseases. Despite these insights, the causal relationship between BCAA metabolism and CVD remains poorly established, and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we aim to provide an update on the current understanding of the roles of BCAAs and their metabolism in the development and progression of various CVDs. We also discuss the potential strategies targeting BCAA nutrition and metabolism for the prevention and treatment of CVDs.

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中文翻译：

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支链氨基酸及其代谢在心血管疾病中的作用

支链氨基酸 (BCAA)，包括亮氨酸、异亮氨酸和缬氨酸，是蛋白质合成的必需氨基酸。最近的研究对它们在健康和疾病中的不同生理和病理作用产生了新的见解。心血管疾病（CVD）是全球发病率和死亡率的主要原因。越来越多的临床研究表明，循环中高水平的支链氨基酸与心血管疾病风险增加相关。动物研究提供了初步证据，证明支链氨基酸的摄入和代谢与心血管疾病有关。尽管有这些见解，支链氨基酸代谢与心血管疾病之间的因果关系仍然不明确，并且其潜在机制仍未完全了解。在这里，我们的目的是提供目前对支链氨基酸及其代谢在各种心血管疾病发生和进展中的作用的最新认识。我们还讨论了针对 BCAA 营养和代谢预防和治疗 CVD 的潜在策略。

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