13C-Leucine-Tracer-Technique in clinical research on postoperative protein metabolism

The non-invasive 13C-Leucine Infusion-Technique allows quantitative information about protein decarboxylation as well as the dynamics of the protein metabolism like protein synthesis, protein oxidation, protein degradation and protein retention. In clinical research it is possible to compare the quality of different nutrition regimen with regard to protein-sparing effects by this method without irritation of the patient and without interrupting his nutrition. Two clinical investigations had been performed at the Surgical University Clinic Mannheim to study postoperative protein metabolism: 1. on the influence of different carbohydrates (Xylitol/Glucose) concerning postoperative protein metabolism during a hypocaloric nutrition regimen and 2. on the course of the individual postoperative protein metabolism during different phases after the operation and in comparison of two requirement-adapted nutrition regimen.