Novel Tracer Methods to Evaluate Muscle Protein Metabolism in Cirrhosis

Description

The goal of this study is to identify the molecular regulatory mechanisms that result in loss of skeletal muscle in cirrhotic patients. Current strategies involve prolonged tracer infusion and multiple muscle biopsies. We will use an innovative approach to determine the rates of skeletal muscle protein synthesis and breakdown using multiple tracers administered at short intervals followed by a single muscle biopsy. These studies are likely to provide a conceptual advance in determining the cellular and molecular responses of the skeletal muscle in cirrhosis.