[Studies of the effect of a protein-free diet and branched-chain amino acids (preparation Aminosteril-Hepa) on selected biochemical indicators in chronic experimental hepatic encephalopathy].

The latest observations suggest that a decreased level of serum branched-chain amino acids plays a role in the pathogenesis of liver encephalopathy. In this study we analysed the behaviour of the serum concentrations of: ammonia, phenols, alpha-amino nitrogen, tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan in rats with thioacetamide-induced liver encephalopathy. The first group of rats was on protein-free diet and Aminosteril-Hepa (Fresenius FRG)--an amino acids solution with predominance of branched-chain amino acids. The second group of rats received a diet with 1 g/kg b.w. of protein daily. The levels of biochemical indices were analysed 0, 3, 5 and 7 days after liver encephalopathy development. The results of our study indicate a favourable influence of infusion a branched-chain amino acids solution (Aminosteril-Hepa) on the biochemical indices, particularly phenols and alpha-amino nitrogen in experimental liver encephalopathy.