Renal morphological and functional effects of branched-chain amino acids: an experimental study in rats

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, the use of branched chain amino acids in ergogenic diets is indicated for their potential to increase muscle mass gain in athletes and gym goers, stimulate insulin secretion, reduce post-exercise fatigue and decrease the degree of muscle damage. Objective: Evaluate the morphological and functional effects on kidneys, due to branched chain amino acids use in rats. Method: 24 healthy Wistar male rats, were studied, distributed in control group (n=12), which received a daily 1 ml dose of water and study group (n=12), which received a daily 1 ml dose of a solution containing branched chain amino acids. Both administered by gavage. The duration of the experiment was 120 days, and renal function test trough creatinine and urea measurements were conducted every 60 days. At the end, the animals were euthanized and its kidneys collected to histopathological analysis. Results: There were observed no statistically significant (p<0,05) differences in the laboratorial analysis between the two groups. Additionally, no morphological changes could be seen during the histopathological examination. Conclusion: The branched chain amino acids supplementation with a daily dose of 154 mg/kg per day, during the period of 4 months, does not lead to morphological and functional disorders in healthy rats.