The efficacy of branched-chain amino acid granules to restore phagocytic activity in cirrhosis patients, a randomized controlled trial

Naichaya Chamroonkul; Natthapat Rujeerapaiboon; Pimsiri Sripongpun; Apichat Kaewdech; Teerha Piratvisuth

doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1142206

The efficacy of branched-chain amino acid granules to restore phagocytic activity in cirrhosis patients, a randomized controlled trial

Front Nutr. 2023 May 12:10:1142206. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1142206. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Naichaya Chamroonkul¹, Natthapat Rujeerapaiboon^{1

2}, Pimsiri Sripongpun¹, Apichat Kaewdech¹, Teerha Piratvisuth³

Affiliations

¹ Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.
² Gastroenterology Endoscopy and Motility Center, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Thailand.
³ NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.

Abstract

Background: Infection is a detrimental complication among cirrhotic patients, leading to major morbidity and mortality. Reduction in phagocytic activation, as part of immunoparesis, is a distinctive key component of cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction (CAID) and predicts the development of infection. However, there are limited data on immunotherapeutic approaches to restore phagocytosis.

Aims: We aimed to determine the effect of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules on phagocytic activity in patients with CAID.

Methods: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, Participants were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio stratified by Child-Pugh status) to receive either BCAA granules or placebo. In the 3rd and 6th months, phagocytic activity was assessed by flow cytometry. The primary endpoint was the restoration of innate immunity at the 6th month, defined as ≥75% phagocytic activity; the secondary endpoints were the accretion of phagocytic activity and hospitalization due to infection.

Results: A total of 37 patients were included. There were no differences among the patients in the baseline characteristics and phagocytic activity. At the 6th month, a higher proportion of patients with phagocytic restoration was observed in the BCAA granule group compared to the placebo group (68 vs. 5.6%, p < 0.001). The mean phagocytic activity was 75.4 and 63.4% in the BCAA granule and placebo groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Progressive accretion of phagocytic activity was observed during the 3rd and 6th months. There was no difference in hospitalization due to infection (3 vs. 2 events, p = 0.487).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that BCAA granules significantly restore phagocytic activity across various stages of cirrhosis. A longer follow-up period is required to demonstrate infection prevention.Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.in.th, TCTR20190830005.

Keywords: branch-chained amino acid; cirrhosis; cirrhosis associated immune dysfunction; innate immunity; phagocytosis.