Effect of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on functional liver regeneration in patients undergoing portal vein embolization and sequential hepatectomy: a randomized controlled trial

Background Portal vein embolization (PVE) can decrease the resection ratio for major hepatectomy. 99m Tc-galactosyl human serum albumin (GSA) scintigraphy is useful for evaluating quantitative functional liver volume. Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) modulate liver function and regeneration. We analyzed the effects of BCAAs, in terms of liver function and regeneration after PVE, in combination with major hepatectomy. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted for patients receiving PVE through to complete hepatectomy from September, 2011 to June, 2013. BCAA granules were added two times a day to a conventional diet in the BCAA administration group (BCAA group). The primary end point was functional liver regeneration of the future remnant liver after PVE followed by hepatic resection. Functional liver regeneration was assessed by the liver uptake value obtained from 99m Tc-GSA scintigraphy single-photon-emission computed tomography/computed tomography fusion images. The secondary end points were volumetric liver regeneration and changes in liver function and laboratory data. Results A BCAA group ( n = 13) and a non-BCAA group (control group; n = 15) were included. The primary end point was partially met: the liver uptake value significantly increased in the BCAA group compared with the control group 6 months after hepatic resection (266.7 % vs 77.6 %, P = 0.04) and marginally increased after PVE (43.8 % vs 17.4 %, P = 0.079). Following PVE, the increment of the uptake ratio of the liver to the liver plus heart at 15 min was significantly less in the BCAA group than in the control group (0.0 and 0.01, P = 0.023). Conclusions BCAA supplementation improved functional liver regeneration and function in patients undergoing PVE followed by major hepatic resection.