Valine is an essential amino acid, meaning it is an amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the body. It is also one of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAs) along with leucine and isoleucine. In order to maintain adequate levels, we can obtain valine from dietary sources or supplements. It has been shown to have many benefits, such as improved cognitive function, increased ability to build and repair muscle, improved sleep, reduced stress, treatment of gall bladder disease, as well as the treatment of liver disease.
A study done in Japan by researchers at Kurume University School of Medicine, demonstrated the benefits of valine treatments in a patient with hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis.
What is Liver Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition that results from the liver being damaged, resulting in permanent scarring; it is the outcome of chronic liver disease. Once the liver is irreparably damaged, it experiences irregular blood flow and ceases normal functioning allowing toxins to build up in the liver.
Some of the most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver are chronic alcohol abuse, chronic viral hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease, inherited cirrhosis (i.e. Wilson’s Disease), biliary cirrhosis, and toxic hepatitis (caused by severe reactions to medications).
Possible signs and symptoms of liver cirrhosis are abdominal pain and/or swelling, bruising easily, decreased libido, fatigue, intestinal bleeding, itching, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, swelling of the legs, weakness and weight loss.
How Can Valine Aid in the Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis
Valine is an essential amino acid that helps the body’s nervous system and organs to function properly. In relation to the liver, it helps remove excess nitrogen from the liver and distribute it to other tissues in the body. Some studies have shown that symptoms of liver cirrhosis can be reduced by treatment with valine. In patients with hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis is a common complication.
In a recent study performed by researchers at the Kurume University School of Medicine in Japan, symptoms in a patient with well-progressed liver cirrhosis due to HCV were greatly reduced with valine treatments. There was a noticeable reduction in fatigue, hepatic fibrosis index, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, as well as HCV ribonucleic acid levels. Over time, this patient improved enough to receive interferon treatments resulting in the elimination of chronic HCV infection. The conclusion of this study is that valine may very well reduce the amount of the virus in a patient’s blood and could help improve upon the effectiveness of interferon therapy leading to possible recovery from chronic HPV infection.
Valine has also been shown to be beneficial for alcohol and diabetes-related liver cirrhosis, as well as cirrhosis caused by other diseases and complications. For more information on liver cirrhosis, visit http://www.medicinenet.com/cirrhosis/article.htm, and to read more about the Kurume University study, visit http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Doi=343094.