Alpha-ketoglutarate and postoperative muscle catabolism.

Lancet · 1990

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Abstract

The hypothesis that muscle protein catabolism after trauma is associated with a shortage of alpha-ketoglutarate, rather than glutamine, was tested. Addition of alpha-ketoglutarate to postoperative total parenteral nutrition prevented the decrease in muscle protein synthesis and free glutamine that usually occurs after surgery. alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation may improve recovery after trauma.