Challenges to the Dilemma of Sarcopenia and Renal Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K16027
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Cardiovascular medicine
• Research Institution: St. Marianna University School of Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Suzuki Norio 聖マリアンナ医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (00770158)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 心不全 / サルコペニア / 腎機能障害

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In addition to exercise therapy, adequate protein-containing nutrients are important to prevent the development and progression of sarcopenia in heart failure patients, but protein restriction is required for some patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This results in inadequate protein intake and an increased risk of developing or progressing to sarcopenia.
Leucine-enriched amino acid-containing jellies are effective in preventing or improving sarcopenia by increasing skeletal muscle mass and improving muscle strength with smaller amounts than the usual dietary protein intake. In hospitalized heart failure patients with CKD who underwent cardiac rehabilitation, leucine-enriched amino acid-containing jelly could be safely consumed in addition to dietary intake without progression of renal dysfunction.

Free Research Field

心不全、心臓リハビリテーション

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

CKDを合併した心不全では、腎機能障害の進行リスクを増加させず、サルコペニアに対する効果的な食事療法として、至適たんぱく質摂取量が不明であった。たんぱく質制限を要するCKD患者に対して、ロイシン強化型アミノ酸含有ゼリーは筋蛋白の合成に必要なアミノ酸を効率的に少量で摂取することができ、たんぱく質過剰摂取による腎機能障害の進行を防ぐことが可能であった。CKDを合併した心不全患者に対して、ロイシン強化型アミノ酸含有ゼリーの付加は、CKDの悪化やサルコペニアによる生命予後やADL、医療費、介護負担などに与える影響を改善することにつながる可能がある。