Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing tissue breakdown in mammals. Specifically, tissue breakdown in a mammal can be decreased by the administration of composition, wherein said composition comprises from about 35% to 50% essential amino acids of which from about 18% to 30% are branched chain amino acids, and from about 50% to 65% non-essential amino acids, wherein the non-essential amino acids comprise from about 5% to 15% ALA and from about 15% to 45% GLN. In addition, the present invention provides methods of preparing compositions which are capable of meeting the specific metabolic needs of a patient experiencing catabolic tissue breakdown.

Abstract: A method of maintaining and/or enhancing tissue or plasma levels of glutathione is provided. Treatment of a mammal with a supranormal amount of glutamine, or a glutamine equivalent, prevents the reduction in tissue glutathione levels associated with exposure of the mammal to a compound capable of oxidative injury to the tissue. Such compounds may be drugs such as chemotherapeutic agents. Administration of a supranormal amount of glutamine or a glutamine equivalent after exposure of a mammal to a compound capable of oxidative injury to the tissue can ameliorate or prevent injury. Treatment of a mammal with glutamine or a glutamine equivalent can also reduce or prevent starvation- or radiation-associated oxidative damage in the tissues.

Abstract: First and second pairs of electrodes are connected to a bioelectrical impedance measuring device. The first pair of electrodes are then attached to a subject's body to introduce an electrical current in the subject's body. The second pair of electrodes are attached to the body in proximity with the elbow and the knee joint of the subject's body. The second pair of electrodes detect the impedance in the subject's body when the electrical current flows therein by the first pair of electrodes. The bioelectrical impedance measurement device measures the impedance detected by the second pair of electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating pulmonary dysfunction in a mammal comprising administration of growth hormone to said mammal. In one embodiment wherein the pulmonary dysfunction results in ventilator dependency, the use of the method of this invention promotes the withdrawal of mechanical ventilatory support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating a catabolic dysfunction in an animal, which comprises administering to an animal a therapeutically effective amount of glutamine, or an analog thereof.

Abstract: A method and composition for effecting protein accretion in an animal. The composition comprises a hypocaloric dietary component comprising a metabolizable source of nitrogen, carbohydrate, and, optionally, at least one of a triclyeride source, minerals, and vitamins, in conjunction with growth hormone.The method comprises administering an effective amount of the hypocaloric dietary component and growth hormone, orally or parenterally, to effect a positive nitrogen balance under hypocaloric conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating a catabolic dysfunction in an animal, which comprises administering to an animl a therapeutically effective amount of glutamine or an analog thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating a catabolic dysfunction in an animal, which comprises administering to an animal a therapeutically effective amount of glutamine, or an analog thereof.