Abstract: Use of a tablet diet supplement for administration to a dialysis patient comprising a mixture of L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine and L-valine, for preventing and/or correcting hypoalbuminemia in a patient on dialysis.

Abstract: The progression of chronic renal failure in humans may be retarded by administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in effective amounts. The administration of DHEA is preferably oral at a dose of about 400 to 1600 mg/day. Patients suffering from severe chronic renal failure are also preferably maintained on a protein-restricted diet during DHEA administration.

Abstract: Progression of chronic renal failure can be retarded or arrested by administering to humans suffering from such disorder an agent which suppresses the production of glucocorticoids in the human together with a glucocorticoid. An example of an agent which suppresses the production of glucocorticoids includes ketoconazole. Exemplary of the glucocorticoid is prednisone.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of free-radical-mediated tissue injury, particularly sepsis, are provided wherein compositions containing at least one keto analog of a branched-chain amino acid are administered. The composition is administered orally or parenterally, preferably in frequent or continuous dosages. Preferred forms of the keto analogs are their ornithine, arginine, or sodium salts.

Abstract: Progression of chronic renal failure can be retarded (slowed or arrested) by administering to humans suffering from such disorder an agent which suppresses the production of glucocorticoids in the human. The agents may be administered alone or in combination with a protein restricted and/or phosphorus restricted diet. Examples of suitable agents which either suppress production of glucocorticoids or block binding to their receptors include sodium valproate, enkephalins, opioids, clonidine, ketoconazole, oxytocin, and mifepristone.

Abstract: Mixtures of mixed salts formed between branched-chain alpha keto-acids and basic L-amino acids are useful in the nutritional treatment of chronic renal failure (uremia). These compositions contain fewer component salts than other salt mixtures containing like proportions of basic amino acids and keto acids. The compositions can be used in conjunction with a 20-30 g/day mixed quality protein diet and a vitamin and mineral supplement.

Abstract: Muscle protein breakdown or degradation may be reduced or inhibited in mammals, particularly humans recovering from surgery or suffering from a muscle wasting disorder, by administering daily doses of alpha-ketoisocaproic acid (ketoleucine) or an appropriate salt of the acid. Seventy millimoles per day of sodium alpha-ketoisocaproate administered for five days after major abdominal surgery was found to significantly reduce urinary 3-methylhistidine/creatinine, which is a measure of muscle protein breakdown, and thereby to improve nitrogen balance.

Abstract: Novel compounds are prepared by reacting essential or semi-essential amino acids with nitrogen-free analogues thereof, particularly alpha-keto and/or alpha-hydroxy analogues. The mixed salt reaction products are precursors of essential and semi-essential amino acids in the body, and mixtures of the salts are useful in the treatment of renal and hepatic disorders characterized by protein intolerance leading to deficiencies of various essential and semi-essential amino acids in the body. They may also be useful in the treatment of nitrogen wasting disorders and protein malnutrition. The novel compounds are generally far more palatable and soluble in aqueous solutions than the individual essential or semi-essential amino acids, nitrogen-free analogues thereof, or simple mixtures of these.

Abstract: Novel compounds are prepared by reacting ornithine or arginine with alpha ketao analogs of branched chain essential amino acids, namely valine, leucine and isoleucine. The compounds are useful either individually or as a mixture in the treatment of hepatic disorders which are characterized by hyperammonemia and portal systemic encephalopathy. Use of these compounds in treatment of renal failure also appears promising.

Abstract: Novel compounds are prepared by reacting essential or semi-essential amino acids with nitrogen-free analogues thereof, particularly alpha-keto and/or alpha-hydroxy analogues. The mixed salt reaction products are precursors of essential and semi-essential amino acids in the body, and mixtures of the salts are useful in the treatment of renal and hepatic disorders characterized by protein intolerance leading to deficiencies of various essential and semi-essential amino acids in the body. They may also be useful in the treatment of nitrogen wasting disorders and protein malnutrition. The novel compounds are generally far more palatable and soluble in aqueous solutions than the individual essential or semi-essential amino acids, nitrogen-free analogues thereof, or simple mixtures of these.

Abstract: Novel compounds are prepared by reacting ornithine or arginine with alpha keto analogs of branched chain essential amino acids, namely valine, leucine and isoleucine. The compounds are useful either individually or as a mixture in the treatment of hepatic disorders which are characterized by hyperammonemia and portal systemic encephalopathy. Use of these compounds in treatment of renal failure also appears promising.

Abstract: Compositions containing the hydroxy analogs of certain essential amino acids are formulated for therapeutic use, particularly in the treatment of renal disorders, hepatic failure and conditions of protein wasting in human subjects. In preferred embodiments, keto analogs of certain essential amino acids are used in combination with hydroxy analogs of other essential amino acids.

Abstract: Treatment of hepatic disorders, such as are characterized by hyperammonemia and portal-systemic encephalopathy, is advocated using compositions comprising keto analogs of certain essential amino acids. In the preferred embodiments, such compositions comprise the keto analogs of valine, phenylalanine, methionine, leucine and isoleucine.

Abstract: Compositions containing the keto analogs of certain of the amino acids essential for humans are therapeutically employed in the treatment of patients confined to low or restricted protein diet, particularly in cases of renal diseases. These analogs promote protein synthesis in the human body and suppress undesired urea formation, partly as a result of altering the body's mechanisms for conserving protein.