Abstract
Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) is the leucine metabolite,which could contribute to reversing AIDS-and cancer-related cachexia.The aim of our study was to determine changes after HMB treatment in protein metabolism in rat skeletal muscle.Intact and septic rats were implanted with osmotic pump with or without HMB content (0.5 g/kg/day).After 24 h extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) muscles were isolated and used for determination of total and myofibrillar proteolysis,protein synthesis,leucine oxidation and chymotrypsin-like activity of proteasome (CTLA).The results indicate positive effect of HMB treatment on protein metabolism both in intact and septic animals.This effect is muscle type dependent and is caused mainly by attenuation of proteasome activity and protein breakdown.