Amino Acid Therapy: Advances and Applications in Biomedical Research

What is Amino Acid Therapy?

Amino acid therapy is a therapy which restores and enhances the body's neurotransmitter system by replenishing with amino acids. Neurotransmitters are signal-carrying chemicals in the brain that are critical for proper brain function. By providing the amino acids and cofactors that the body requires, amino acid therapy restores normal neurotransmitter function – boosting mental and physical health. Amino acid therapy can also treat a wide range of illnesses, such as mental illness, cancer treatment and malnutrition by supplementing and controlling amino acids.

Forms of Amino Acid Therapy

Amino Acid Therapy, is a medicine that balances the body's chemical structure by giving it amino acids, which is very commonly applied in the treatment of many ailments. The main types of amino acid therapy are as follows:

Intravenous amino acid therapy (IV therapy): In this treatment, an amino acid solution is administered via a vein directly into the body. It doesn't react with the digestive system and can rush amino acids throughout the body to provide a short-term therapy. Intensive kidney injuries, for instance, are treated with intravenous amino acids to rebuild the kidneys.

Oral amino acid supplement: This is another popular type of supplements and usually comes in tablet or powder forms. Patients take these medicines in the dosages and at the times prescribed. For instance, in alcohol detoxification therapy, pills of amino acids are taken by mouth to balance brain chemicals and shorten the withdrawal period. Other oral amino acid supplements have been administered for depression and anxiety.

Food support therapy: Sometimes, amino acid therapy is used in combination with other nutrition support. For instance, in cancer treatment, amino acid therapy can work in tandem with chemotherapy and radiation to prevent tumor growth by interfering with cancer cells' needs for growth. Amino acid therapy has also been administered to speed muscle recovery and enhance muscle protein synthesis after intense exercise.

Disease-specific treatments: There are diseases for which amino acid therapy has also been used and tested. For instance, in treatment of cerebral palsy, damaged early brain tissue is restored via intravenous amino acids. In liver disease, the liver is repaired by amino acid therapy. In bladder cancer treatment, tumor cells are prevented from forming through restriction of amino acid intake.

Integrative therapy: In some integrative treatments, amino acid therapy is also given in addition to other treatments like acupuncture, massage, nutrition therapy, etc., to help the patient to be in a better condition.

What does Amino Acid Therapy Do?

Amino acid therapy is a way that helps in health by taking some amino acids. The main functions of this system are the following:

Heal the neurotransmitter machine: Amino acids are a critical building block of neurotransmitters, and neurotransmitter imbalances are common causes of mental health and addiction disorders. In the form of amino acids, amino acid therapy re-establishes normal neurotransmitter function and supplies amino acids and cofactors, so depression and other symptoms are overcome.

Help with treatment of cancer: Amino acids are important metabolically for cancer cells, and by modifying the amino acid metabolism pathways, cancer cells can't grow or reproduce. For instance, if we restrict the access to certain amino acids, tumor cells' metabolic environment is interrupted and thus the cells do not grow.

Strengthens muscle tissues: Amino acids are also used in muscle disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to mitigate inflammation, damage caused by oxidative stress, and increase muscle strength and endurance.

Supports gut health: Some amino acids like glutamine help to treat digestive problems, maintain intestinal barrier function and aid in intestinal repair.

Boosts immune function: Amino acid therapy boosts the activity of the immune cells through the control of the immune microenvironment, which in turn increases the efficiency of the immune system.

Optimizes athletic performance and mental clarity: Amino acid therapy can help you optimize athletic performance, muscle growth, mental clarity and health through the use of amino acids.

There are multiple ways in which amino acid treatments aid in these fields such as mental health, cancer, muscle recovery, gut health, immune system and overall health. This therapy has to be tailored to the individual and carried out under medical supervision.

Application of Amino Acid Therapy

Amino acid therapeutics have shown promising applications in a variety of fields, including disease treatment, nutritional support, and mental health improvement. Here are a few specific application directions.

Amino Acid Therapy for Cancer

By attacking the metabolic needs of the cancer cell, amino acid therapy is mostly used in cancer therapy to reduce tumor formation and invasion. These cancer cells need a lot of amino acids (arginine, glutamine, aspartic acid, etc.) because they grow so quickly and have to digest it, while normal cells can make these amino acids themselves. When the access to these amino acids is restricted or blocked, cancer cells' proliferation and survival can be suppressed.

Amino acid deprivation therapy (AADT): Amino acid deprivation therapy is a treatment where medications cause cancer cells to lack certain amino acids. Arginine deprivation therapy, for instance, inhibits tumor cell growth by degrading arginine in cancer cells with the enzyme Arginine decarboxylase (ADI). Then there's glutamine deprivation, a major energy-rich source for many cancer cells: glutamine.

Enzymatic depletion: Depleting amino acids by attacking key enzymes is another tactic. For instance, L-asparaginase is utilized to decrease the concentration of aspartate in blood plasma, and hence stop ALL cells growing.

Weight loss: There are other possible cures, too, that include a calorie restriction of some amino acids. Increasing lysine intake on an intermittent basis, for instance, could be used to prevent or treat cancer.

Combination of amino acid metabolism and immunotherapy: We now know that amino acid metabolism is correlated with T cell function in the tumor microenvironment. This can be achieved by targeting amino acid metabolism to boost the effectiveness of ICBC and therefore immunotherapy.

Amino acid replacement therapy: Although amino acid deprivation therapy is successful in some patients, amino acid replacement therapy has been shown to increase quality of life and chemotherapeutic results in patients with cancer. For instance, glutamine and arginine supplementation can counteract chemotherapy-related side effects and support the patient's immune system.

Amino acid therapy can be used for a wide range of purposes when it comes to cancer treatment, such as slowing the expansion of cancer cells (by denying them amino acids) and maintaining patients' health (by giving them amino acids). But more clinical trials are needed to verify effectiveness and safety of these techniques and the right dose and time for use.

Fig.1 Amino acid deprivation therapy (AADT) in tumor cells. (Dhankhar, Rakhi, et al., 2020)

Amino Acid Therapy for Parkinson's

The application of amino acid therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) is mainly focused on correcting neurotransmitter imbalances by supplementing with specific amino acids, thereby relieving symptoms. The following is relevant information and research progress on the role of amino acid therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease:

Role of amino acids as neurotransmitter precursors: Many symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease are associated with decreased dopamine levels in the brain. L-dopa (levodopa) is one of the main drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, and its mechanism of action is to replenish dopamine in the brain. However, the use of L-dopa may cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, etc. Some researchers believe that by supplementing amino acid precursors (such as tyrosine, tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, etc.), the balance of neurotransmitters can be more effectively maintained, thereby reducing the side effects of L-dopa.

Potential benefits of amino acid therapy: Amino acid therapy is thought to improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease through a variety of mechanisms. For example, L-arginine may help improve blood flow to the brain, which can relieve movement disorders caused by Parkinson's disease. In addition, some amino acids, such as glutamine, also have potential roles in boosting immunity and improving muscle endurance.

Clinical application of amino acid therapy: In one case study, many problems in L-dopa therapy were successfully managed by rationally balancing the combination of L-dopa with amino acids such as 5-hydroxytryptophan, L-tyrosine, and L-cysteine, combined with guidance on the functional status of tryptophan and dopamine in the urine. This suggests that amino acid therapy can optimize the efficacy of L-dopa to a certain extent and reduce its side effects.

Other related studies: In addition to amino acid therapy, there are other studies related to amino acid metabolism. For example, α-lipoic acid, as an antioxidant, has shown a protective effect in Parkinson's disease cell models, reducing neuronal damage caused by oxidative stress. In addition, gene therapy and nucleic acid drugs have also shown some promise in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Amino acid therapy has some potential in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, especially in optimizing L-dopa treatment and reducing side effects. However, the current research is still in its preliminary stages, and more clinical trials and studies are needed to verify its efficacy and safety.

Amino Acid Therapy for ADHD

Amino acid therapy has shown some potential in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to several studies and reports, amino acid therapy improves ADHD symptoms by supplementing with specific amino acids to regulate the balance of neurotransmitters.

Rationale for amino acid therapy: Amino acids are precursors to the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as tryptophan (via 5-HTP) that can increase serotonin levels, and tyrosine which can increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels. The balance of these neurotransmitters is essential for attention, emotion, and behavior control in ADHD patients.

Clinical research support: A 2011 study showed that the use of tryptophan and dopamine precursors (such as 5-HTP and Mucuna pruriens) combined with cofactors such as vitamins C and B6 significantly improved symptoms in children with ADHD. In the study, 77% of patients experienced significant improvement with amino acid therapy alone, and another 10% experienced complete symptom relief after stopping stimulant medications.

Comparison with other therapies: The effects of amino acid therapy are comparable to or even better than traditional ADHD medications. For example, one study noted that amino acid therapy was similar to traditional medication in improving ADHD symptoms, but had the advantage of reducing the risk of long-term side effects by supporting the body to naturally restore neurotransmitter function rather than relying on pharmacological interventions.

Selection and use of supplements: Amino acid therapy needs to be individualized to the specific needs of the individual. For example, L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, L-tyrosine, etc., are commonly used supplements. In addition, the use of supplements usually needs to be done under professional guidance to ensure accurate dosage and proportioning.

Potential side effects and safety: Amino acid therapies generally have a lower risk of side effects compared to traditional medications. For example, traditional medications may cause adverse effects such as weight loss, insomnia, etc., while amino acid therapy is considered safer and better tolerated.

Integrative treatment options: Amino acid therapy can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen for ADHD in combination with other therapies (e.g., psychotherapy, behavioral therapy) to improve overall outcomes. For example, studies have shown that combining amino acid therapy and psychotherapy can better improve patients' attention and emotional states

Amino acid therapy provides a natural and effective complementary treatment for ADHD patients, especially for those who have adverse reactions to traditional drugs or want to reduce their dependence on medications. However, due to individual differences, it is recommended to carry out treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor.

Amino Acid Therapy for Addiction

Amino acid therapy has shown certain potential and promise in the treatment of addiction. Based on multiple pieces of evidence, amino acid therapy helps alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms in addicts by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters by supplementing with key amino acids such as L-glutamine, L-tyrosine, and L-tryptophan. This therapy can be administered not only in oral form, but also through intravenous (IV) rapid absorption for more rapid results.

Specifically, amino acid therapy helps regulate dopamine and other neurotransmitter levels in the brain by providing precursors to neurotransmitters, thereby reducing drug cravings. For example, L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan are important precursors for the synthesis of dopamine, which plays a key role in reward and addictive behavior. In addition, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as a sulfur-containing amino acid, has been shown to have potential effects in reducing cravings and preventing relapse in substance use disorders.

Although amino acid therapy has shown positive effects in some aspects, its mechanism and potential side effects still need to be further studied and validated. For example, preliminary human trials have shown promise for amino acid therapy in treating cocaine and amphetamine addiction, but these studies have not yet fully revealed their long-term efficacy and safety.

Amino Acid Therapy for Anxiety

Amino acid therapy has certain potential and application prospects in relieving anxiety. The following is about the relevant applications of amino acid therapy in the treatment of anxiety.

Relationship between amino acids and neurotransmitters

Amino acids are important precursors to neurotransmitters that play a key role in regulating mood and mental health. For example, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and anxiety. In addition, tyrosine can be converted into dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that have been linked to motivation, emotional stability, and stress responses.

Anxiolytic effects of specific amino acids

L-Lysine and L-Arginine: Studies have shown that combined supplementation with L-lysine and L-arginine can reduce anxiety symptoms and modulate hormonal responses in response to psychosocial stress.

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA): GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.

L-Theanine: L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in green tea that is able to reduce anxiety by increasing α waves.

5-HTP (serotonin precursor): 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, and supplementing with 5-HTP can increase serotonin levels, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Practical application of amino acid therapy

Amino acid therapy can alleviate anxiety symptoms by supplementing with specific amino acids to regulate neurotransmitter levels. For example, by supplementing with tryptophan or its precursor 5-HTP, serotonin levels can be increased and mood can be improved. In addition, supplementation with GABA or L-theanine can also directly regulate neurotransmitter levels, resulting in an anxiolytic effect.

Table.1 γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) related products at Creative Peptides.

Amino Acid Therapy for Depression

The application of amino acid therapy in the treatment of depression has been extensively studied and discussed. Amino acids play an important role in the pathogenesis of depression and can be supplemented with amino acids to improve depressive symptoms.

Amino acids are precursors to many neurotransmitters, such as tryptophan (for the synthesis of serotonin) and tyrosine (for the synthesis of norepinephrine), which are strongly associated with depression. Studies have shown that people with depression often have low levels of tryptophan and tyrosine, and supplementing with these amino acids can increase the synthesis of these neurotransmitters, thereby alleviating depressive symptoms.

Amino acid therapy affects the function of neurotransmitters by regulating the levels of amino acids in the plasma and brain. For example, excitatory amino acids such as glutamate, aspartic acid, glycine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are elevated in people with depression, while glutamine, serine, threonine, and leucine may be associated with the severity of depression. In addition, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as isoleucine, leucine, and valine were significantly reduced in patients with depression, which may affect neuroplasticity by inhibiting the mTOR signaling pathway.

Some studies have also found that changes in the levels of specific amino acids can predict the efficacy of antidepressant medications. For example, patients with higher ratios of tyrosine/large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) and lower ratios of tryptophan/LNAAs respond better to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In addition, changes in glutamine and other amino acid levels may also be associated with the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Amino Acid Therapy for Weight Loss

The use of amino acid therapy in weight loss has been extensively studied and discussed. Here is a detailed analysis of the role and effects of amino acid therapy in weight loss:

Relationship between amino acids and weight loss: Amino acids, especially branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are thought to have an important role in the weight loss process. These amino acids support weight loss by promoting muscle protein synthesis and fat oxidation. Other amino acids such as tryptophan and phenylalanine have also been found to suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which can help reduce food intake and, in turn, promote weight loss.

Clinical Research Support: In a randomized controlled trial of obese patients, it was found that supplementation of complex amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan could significantly promote the secretion of growth hormone, accelerate fatty acid utilization and fat burning, and achieve weight loss. Another study showed that intravenous injection of amino acids can increase the body's metabolic rate and help burn more calories, thereby aiding weight loss.

Mechanics & Effects: Amino acid therapy reduces food intake by regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to control appetite. In addition, amino acid therapy can also optimize the energy metabolism of cells and accelerate fat release and burning.

Summary

Amino acid therapy is becoming a hotspot in multidisciplinary research due to its potential in areas such as disease treatment, nutritional support, and mental health improvement. In the future, with the advancement of technology and research, amino acid therapy is expected to provide more accurate and efficient solutions for personalized medicine, chronic disease management, and overall health improvement.

References

1. Lukey, Michael J., et al., Targeting amino acid metabolism for cancer therapy. Drug discovery today 22.5 (2017): 796-804.
2. Dhankhar, Rakhi, et al., Microbial enzymes for deprivation of amino acid metabolism in malignant cells: biological strategy for cancer treatment. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 104 (2020): 2857-2869.