Alpha Keto Acid Formulations for Kidney Disease Nutrition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for low serum albumin and protein malnutrition in patients with kidney and liver disorders are ineffective and unsafe, particularly for early stages of kidney disease, as they often accelerate heart disease and vascular calcification, and fail to manage calcium and magnesium levels appropriately, leading to increased mortality and comorbid conditions.
Innovation Solution
A novel formulation of amino acids and alpha-keto acids that reduces nitrogen load, minimizes metabolic acidosis, and adjusts calcium and magnesium intake to provide protein nutrition while slowing kidney disease progression, using a combination of magnesium and calcium salts tailored to individual patient needs, with a focus on reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional protein supplements or high protein diet are used to treat low serum albumin, then serum albumin levels may improve, but heart disease and vascular calcification are accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of protein supplementation by using keto acid analogs instead of traditional amino acids. These keto acid analogs have modified chemical structures that allow them to be metabolized into useful substances without producing the harmful effects of traditional protein supplements. The keto acid analogs are converted into glutamine and other beneficial compounds that raise albumin levels without accelerating vascular calcification or heart disease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful ketone bodies into beneficial keto acid analogs that serve as safe protein substitutes. Instead of allowing ketones to be harmful byproducts, the invention creates safe, metabolizable keto acid analogs that can be used to provide nitrogen and carbon skeletons for protein synthesis without the harmful effects of traditional high-protein diets.
2Quantity of substance
If calcium-based treatments are used to manage serum albumin, then albumin levels may improve, but hypercalcemia and vascular calcification occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnesium as an intermediary substance that mediates the effects of calcium metabolism. Magnesium acts as a natural antagonist to calcium, helping to regulate calcium levels and prevent hypercalcemia and vascular calcification while still allowing adequate calcium for bone health. This intermediary approach allows albumin improvement without the harmful effects of excessive calcium.
3Quantity of substance
If high protein intake is recommended to treat protein malnutrition, then serum albumin improves, but metabolic acidosis and kidney workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the metabolic parameters of protein intake by using keto acid analogs that follow different metabolic pathways than traditional amino acids. These keto acid analogs are metabolized through pathways that do not produce excessive acid loads on the kidneys. They provide the necessary nitrogen and carbon skeletons for protein synthesis without generating the metabolic acidosis associated with high-protein diets rich in traditional amino acids.
4Quantity of substance
If current nutritional treatments are used for early stage kidney disease, then protein malnutrition is addressed, but disease progression is not slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the metabolic byproducts of traditional protein metabolism into beneficial effects. By using keto acid analogs, the invention transforms potential waste products into useful substances that provide nitrogen and carbon skeletons without creating the harmful metabolic effects of traditional protein metabolism. This approach addresses protein malnutrition while avoiding the acceleration of kidney disease progression.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are nutritional, or therapeutic, compositions and methods of use in primarily treating kidney patients suffering from low serum albumin. The compositions are divided into four formulations, comprising: 1) the magnesium salt and/or the calcium salt of the alpha keto acids of: α-leucine, α-valine, α-isoleucine, α-phenylalanine, α-hydroxy methionine; and/or α-tryptophan, and/or α-tyrosine; 2) L-lysine monoacetate, L-threonine; and/or 3) histidine, tryptophan, and tyrosine, as amino acids or base acids. The specific formulation administered depends in part upon which stage 2-5 of renal disease the patient has. The invention further comprises methods of treatment of disorders associated with low serum albumin using the composition as an over-the-counter pill. The patient's serum albumin is tested on a periodic basis and the selected composition and dose are adjusted accordingly. And the invention comprises method of making α-leucine, α-valine, α-isoleucine, a-tyrosine and α-tryptophan in a multi-step process.