Clinical usefulness of urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion in indicating muscle protein breakdown. Issue 6261 (31st January 1981)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elia, M; Carter, A; Bacon, S; Winearls, C G; Smith, R
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 282:Issue 6261(1981)
• Page Start: 351
• Page End: 354
• Publication Date: 1981-01-31
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.282.6261.351
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Urinary excretion of the post-translationally modified amino-acid 3-methylhistidine, derived from the contractile proteins actin and myosin, was measured in patients with conditions associated with nitrogen loss. The ratio of 3-methylhistidine:creatinine excretion, a measure of the fractional catabolic rate of myofibrillar protein was increased in severe injury, thyrotoxicosis, neoplastic disease, prednisolone administration, and sometimes Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In myxoedema, osteomalacia, and hypothermia the ratio was decreased; and starvation, elective operations, and rheumatoid arthritis had little effect. Provided that the diet is meat free, measurement of urinary 3-methylhistidine may provide useful information on the cause of protein loss.