Amino acids in post-stroke rehabilitation

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Patients with stroke are prone to disability due to muscle hypercatabolism. We aim to review this concept based on available data on benefits of amino acid supplementation in post-stroke rehabilitation.

Method: The search was performed on Medline and Embase in January 2019. Randomized controlled studies, observational studies and case reports conducted in the last 15 years on the supplementation of amino acids in post-stroke rehabilitation patients were included.

Result: Amino acids prevent muscle hypercatabolism in post stroke patients by suppressing myofibrillar protein and skeletal muscle degradation. Stroke patients supplemented with amino acids led to an improvement of functional and physical performance.

Discussion: Muscle protein hypercatabolism and sequestration of amino acids from skeletal muscles occur cyclically in post-stroke patients to counter each other. There is a resultant deficit of amino acids which is unmet. Amino acids have antiproteolytic effect. Its supplementation prevents muscle wasting and improves rehabilitation by promoting physical performance, muscle strength, mass, and function.

KEYWORDS:

• Amino acids
• stroke
• rehabilitation
• muscle hypercatabolism
• proteolysis
• disability
• paresis
• sarcopenia

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dhanasekar Karukkupalayam Ramasamy

Dr. Dhanasekar Karukkupalayam Ramasamy received his medical degree from Christian Medical College – Vellore. He received M.D. in clinical pharmacology from the same institute. Additionally he has specialized in family medicine with special interest in amino acid therapy, probiotics and medical obstetrics.

Trayambak Dutta

Dr. Trayambak Dutta has received his medical degree from Smolensk State Medical University, Smolensk, Russian Federation. He has done his M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology from MGM Medical College & Lions Seva Kendra Hospital, Bihar, India. His special interest is amino acid research and its therapeutic implications.

Vellaichamy Kannan

Dr. Vellaichamy Kannan, received his medical degree from Madurai Medical College, Madurai, India and MD – General Medicine from Coimbatore Medical College & Hospital, India. He received his DM – Neurology degree from Institute of Neurology, Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai, India. He is Senior Assistant Professor of Neurology at Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai with special interest in stroke and rehabilitation.

Venkatraman Chandramouleeswaran

Dr. Venkatraman Chandramouleeswaran received his medical degree from Tirunelveli Medical College, and M.D. – General Medicine & DM – Neurology degree from Stanley Medical College, Chennai, India. He is professor of Neurology in Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai with special interest in stroke and movement disorder.