Influence of Amino Acids and Exercise on Muscle Protein Turnover, Particularly in Cancer Cachexia.

Simple Summary: Cancer cachexia (CC) is a syndrome affecting advanced cancer patients, causing inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and a decline in quality of life. It increases the risk of mortality. Nutritional therapies are being tested for improving muscle metabolism in cancer patients, but no special therapies have been validated in clinical practice. Studies suggest increasing muscle protein synthesis through amino acids or protein intake, and physical activity can reduce muscle atrophy. This manuscript provides an overview of the preclinical and clinical approaches for the use of amino acids with and without exercise therapy to improve muscle metabolism in cachexia. Cancer cachexia is a multifaceted syndrome that impacts individuals with advanced cancer. It causes numerous pathological changes in cancer patients, such as inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, which further diminish their quality of life. Unfortunately, cancer cachexia also increases the risk of mortality in affected individuals, making it an important area of focus for cancer research and treatment. Several potential nutritional therapies are being tested in preclinical and clinical models for their efficacy in improving muscle metabolism in cancer patients. Despite promising results, no special nutritional therapies have yet been validated in clinical practice. Multiple studies provide evidence of the benefits of increasing muscle protein synthesis through an increased intake of amino acids or protein. There is also increasing evidence that exercise can reduce muscle atrophy by modulating protein synthesis. Therefore, the combination of protein intake and exercise may be more effective in improving cancer cachexia. This review provides an overview of the preclinical and clinical approaches for the use of amino acids with and without exercise therapy to improve muscle metabolism in cachexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]