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The Role of Branched-chain Amino Acids and Their Metabolism in Cardiovascular Diseases

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Abstract

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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Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (92057107, 32371234, 31900819, 32200965), the Collaborative Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (2020CXJQ01), the Science and Technology Program of Tianjin (22JCQNJC01330), and the Tianjin Key Medical Discipline (Specialty) Construction Project (TJYXZDXK-032A).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China

    Zhiyu Li & Haipeng Sun

  2. Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China

    Zhiyu Li & Haipeng Sun

  3. The Signature Research Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, DukeNUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore

    Yibin Wang

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  1. Zhiyu Li
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Correspondence to Haipeng Sun.

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H.S. and Y.W. participated in an advisory board for Ramino Bio Ltd. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Associate Editor Yihua Bei oversaw the review of this article

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Li, Z., Wang, Y. & Sun, H. The Role of Branched-chain Amino Acids and Their Metabolism in Cardiovascular Diseases. J. of Cardiovasc. Trans. Res. 17, 85–90 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12265-024-10479-w

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