Fig. 2

Mechanistic pathways of amino acids role in cardio-metabolic factors. Arg contributes in cardio metabolic health by increasing lipid oxidation through No synthesis as well as its anti-oxidant role. Serotonin which derived from Trp has a therapeutic role in regulating glucose and fat metabolism. Gly, Cys and Glu are involved in the synthesis of glutathione - an endogenous antioxidant - which has a cardioprotective role. Amino acids such as Gly, Cys, Ala and Lue had anti-atherogenic role through reducing VLDL uptake and macrophage triglyceride content. Phe and Tyr regulate appetite by dopamine synthesis. Val and Lue contribute in regulating lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity by activating mTOR. Met—a sulfur-containing amino acid—increases oxidative stress and insulin resistance, as well as liver triglyceride levels. It has been shown a positive association between Lys and Ilu and serum TG level. Abbreviates: Arg, arginine; Gly, glycine; Trp, tryptophan; Asp, aspartate; Cys, cysteine; Ala, alanine; Pro, Proline; Phe, phenylalanine; Val, valine Ser, serine; Glu, glutamate; Tyr, tyrosine; Lue, Lucine; His, histidine; Lys, lysine; Met, methionine; Ilu, isoleucine; Thr, threonine; NO, nitric oxide; TG, triglyceride; Hcy, homocysteine; TC, total cholesterol. Pattern 1: Arg, Gly, Trp, Asp, Cys and Ala, Pattern 2: Pro, Phe, Val, Ser, Glu, Tyr and Lue, pattern 3: His, Lys, Met, Ilu and Thr