L-isoleucine in clinical application

L-isoleucine, an essential amino acid, plays a significant role in nutritional support for tumor patients. The following is a brief overview of its clinical applications from several aspects:

I. Providing Energy Support

Tumor patients often experience high energy consumption due to abnormal tumor cell proliferation and metabolic disorders in the body. L-isoleucine undergoes a series of metabolic processes in vivo, such as oxidation through the tricarboxylic acid cycle, to supply energy. This helps meet the metabolic needs of tumor patients, maintain their normal physiological functions, and improve their physical condition and quality of life.

II. Promoting Protein Synthesis

Enhancing Immune Function

Tumor patients frequently suffer from immune deficiency, making them prone to complications such as infections. As a basic unit for protein synthesis, an adequate supply of L-isoleucine aids in the production of immune-related proteins, including various immunoglobulins and cytokines. This strengthens the body's immune function, enhances the patient's resistance to tumors, and reduces the risk of infection.

Maintaining Muscle Mass

Tumor patients often experience muscle wasting and weight loss due to the disease itself and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. L-isoleucine stimulates protein synthesis while reducing protein breakdown, helping to maintain muscle mass and strength. This improves the patient's physical function and tolerance to treatment.

III. Regulating Metabolic Balance

Improving Nitrogen Balance

Tumor patients typically exhibit negative nitrogen balance, where protein breakdown exceeds synthesis. L-isoleucine promotes nitrogen intake and utilization, increases protein synthesis, and reduces protein catabolism, thereby improving nitrogen balance and facilitating the patient's recovery.

Regulating Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

Tumor patients often have disorders in glucose and lipid metabolism, such as hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. L-isoleucine improves glucose and lipid metabolism by regulating insulin sensitivity and promoting fatty acid oxidation, reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and related complications.

IV. Enhancing the Efficacy of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Protecting Normal Tissues

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can damage normal tissues while killing tumor cells. L-isoleucine enhances the antioxidant capacity and repair ability of normal tissues, alleviates damage to normal tissues caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, reduces treatment-related adverse reactions, and improves patient tolerance to treatment.

Inhibiting Tumor Cell Growth

Some studies suggest that L-isoleucine may inhibit tumor cell growth and proliferation by regulating tumor cell metabolism and signaling pathways, enhancing the killing effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on tumor cells, and improving tumor treatment outcomes.

V. Clinical Application Methods

Enteral Nutrition Formulations

L-isoleucine can be added to enteral nutrition formulations and administered to tumor patients via oral intake or tube feeding. This approach aligns with the patient's physiological needs, helps maintain the integrity and normal function of the intestinal mucosa, and promotes the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Parenteral Nutrition Infusions

For tumor patients who cannot eat normally or have severely impaired intestinal function, L-isoleucine can be included in parenteral nutrition infusions and delivered via intravenous administration. The dosage and duration of L-isoleucine should be reasonably adjusted based on the patient's specific conditions, such as age, weight, disease status, and nutritional status.