Basics in Amino Acid Metabolism in Humans in Health and Disease

Basics in Amino Acid Metabolism in Humans in Health and Disease summarizes the significance of amino acids and their metabolism. This book provides a single source of information bringing together a wide variety of research on the subject, explaining the rationality and risks of using some amino acids as dietary supplements. The first chapters describe amino acids' structure, classification, and transport across cell membranes and their role in protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and ketogenesis. The central part of the book is focused on the role of individual amino acids in the synthesis of various biologically essential substances and their metabolism in acquired and hereditary diseases. The following chapters are dedicated to the role of particular organs, such as the small intestine, intestinal microbiota, liver, muscle, kidneys, brain, adipose tissue, and lungs. The next sections are focused on amino acid metabolism under various physiological (food intake, starvation, exercise, and elderly) and pathological (systemic inflammatory response, cirrhosis, diabetes, chronic renal insufficiency, and cancer) conditions. The last chapter summarizes the benefits and potential adverse effects of increased intake of individual amino acids. The author, Professor Milan Holeček, has been studying and researching in the area for over 40+ years. "Basics in Amino Acid Metabolism in Humans in Health and Disease" is written for healthcare professionals, primarily nutritionists, specialists in intensive metabolic care, clinical nutrition, diabetology, hepatology, gerontology, gastroenterology, nephrology, and oncology.