Changes

==Why are they Important?==

==Why are they Important?==

Branched-chain amino acids are '''structural components of protein'''. The hydrophobic side chains of branched-chain amino acids induce inward folding of protein structures.

Branched-chain amino acids are '''structural components of [[Protein Overview - Nutrition|protein]]'''. The hydrophobic side chains of branched-chain amino acids induce inward folding of protein structures.

Severe liver disease may result in decreased plasma branched-chain amino acid concentrations relative to [[Nutrition Glossary#Aromatic Amino Acids|aromatic amino acids]], and this is thought to play a role in the clinical signs of [[Hepatic Encephalopathy|hepatic encephalopathy]]<ref>Strombeck DR and Rogers Q. Plasma amino acid concentrations in dogs with hepatic disease. JAVMA 1978; 178;93-96.</ref><ref>Meyer HP, et al. Effects of a branched-chain amino acid-enriched diet on chronic hepatic encephalopathy in dogs. Metab Br Dis 1999;14:103-110.</ref>. However, the clinical impact of attempting to alter amino acid balance favouring branched-chain amino acids in animals with hepatic encephalopathy is unknown.  

Severe liver disease may result in decreased plasma branched-chain amino acid concentrations relative to [[Nutrition Glossary#Aromatic Amino Acids|aromatic amino acids]], and this is thought to play a role in the clinical signs of [[Hepatic Encephalopathy|hepatic encephalopathy]]<ref>Strombeck DR and Rogers Q. Plasma amino acid concentrations in dogs with hepatic disease. JAVMA 1978; 178;93-96.</ref><ref>Meyer HP, et al. Effects of a branched-chain amino acid-enriched diet on chronic hepatic encephalopathy in dogs. Metab Br Dis 1999;14:103-110.</ref>. However, the clinical impact of attempting to alter amino acid balance favouring branched-chain amino acids in animals with hepatic encephalopathy is unknown.

==Roles in the Body==

==Roles in the Body==