The Effect of Acute Lysine Administration on α-aminoadipic Acid (Sub-study)

The significance of diabetes and related co-morbidities as considerable health concerns in the US and worldwide is clearly supported by the high incidence (estimated 9.3% of the US population), mortality burden (7th leading cause of death in the US), and rising costs ($245 billion/year). Strategies to identify individuals at high diabetic risk, and to modulate disease processes in these individuals before the onset of overt disease, would have a significant impact in reducing mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. For this approach to be successful, early markers of disease that predict at-risk individuals before onset of dysregulated glycemic control are required, as well as discovering novel pathways for therapeutic targeting.

The purpose of the study is to investigate a novel biomarker, α-aminoadipic acid (2-AAA), which may influence the risk of diabetes. 2-AAA has been identified as a novel predictor of diabetes development in humans, identifying at-risk individuals before any detectable glucose abnormalities. 2-AAA is a naturally occurring metabolite in the body, and it has no known adverse effects at normal physiological levels. 2-AAA is generated in the body from the breakdown of lysine. Lysine is one of the twenty essential amino acids, meaning that it is essential for human function, but that our body cannot manufacture it. Thus, it is acquired from dietary sources (such as meat, eggs, soybeans and legumes), with a recommended daily intake of 30 mg/kg/day. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are what allow our cells, organs and body to maintain structure and function. The investigators are interested in whether 2-AAA is increased in the body after consumption of lysine.

The investigators' specific aim is to determine whether acute lysine administration leads to increased plasma 2-AAA in humans. Catabolism of lysine leads to generation of 2-AAA. In this study, the investigators will determine whether a single dose of 13C isotope labeled lysine leads to increased plasma 2-AAA present in the blood and urine of humans. In this sub-study, the investigators will ask 2 lean, healthy subjects (preferably individuals who participated in a previous study visit) to drink a beverage containing C-13 labeled lysine and the investigators will measure the level of 2-AAA in their blood plasma and urine at baseline (before ingestion) and serially post-ingestion. The amount of lysine subjects will be given is equivalent to that which is found in a 5 oz. serving of beef. This sub-study will allow us to further establish and understand the relationship between lysine and 2-AAA in healthy subjects, and inform future studies on how to study the effects of 2-AAA on diabetes risk.

Inclusion criteria

• BMI 18 to <25 kg/m2
• Men and women ages 18-45 years

Exclusion criteria

• Current use of prescription medications (apart from hormonal birth control)
• Current use of amino acid supplements (including branched-chain amino acids) or supplemental protein (habitual consumption of protein powder, bars, shakes), and unwilling to temporarily discontinue use (1 week prior to study visit)
• Individuals who currently use tobacco products or have done so in the previous 30 days
• Prior or current cardiovascular disease, renal disease, or liver disease
• Diabetes mellitus (taking insulin, other anti-diabetic agents, or diet-controlled)
• Atrial fibrillation
• Bleeding disorder or anemia
• Positive pregnancy test
• Women who are breastfeeding
• Participation in another clinical trial within the previous 6 weeks prior to the study visit
• Inability to provide written informed consent
• Inability to fast for 8 hours