Prevention of fatty liver and maintenance of systemic valine depletion using a newly developed dual infusion system.

BACKGROUND

Valine-depleted amino acid imbalance, while having a suppressive effect on tumor growth, may induce fatty liver.

METHODS

We administered a valine-depleted total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution by the central venous route to non-tumor-bearing rats and examined the time course of the development of fatty liver. In an attempt to prevent this condition, we administered a continuous infusion of low concentrations of valine via the portal vein simultaneously with administration of central venous valine-depleted nutrition for 4 days.

RESULTS

A marked accumulation of triglyceride was observed in the liver on day 4 of the administration of valine-depleted nutrition. It is speculated that such accumulation is the cause of fatty liver. The level of valine in the peripheral blood began to decrease soon after administration was begun and resulted in a state of systemic valine deficiency. Rats given 25% or more of the valine concentration in the standard TPN solution via the portal vein simultaneously with the administration of central venous valine-depleted nutrition, had a triglyceride level similar to that of the control group. The group given 50% or less of the valine concentration had a level of valine in the peripheral blood as low as that of the valine-depleted group, indicating the maintenance of a valine-deficient state.

CONCLUSION

Administration of low concentrations of valine via the portal vein simultaneous with central venous administration of valine-depleted TPN solution may prevent fatty liver.