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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 21, 2014; 20(23): 7286-7297
Published online Jun 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i23.7286
Nutrition and exercise in the management of liver cirrhosis
Nobuyuki Toshikuni, Tomiyasu Arisawa, Mikihiro Tsutsumi
Nobuyuki Toshikuni, Tomiyasu Arisawa, Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
Mikihiro Tsutsumi, Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
Author contributions: Toshikuni N wrote the manuscript; Arisawa T and Tsutsumi M supervised the work.
Correspondence to: Nobuyuki Toshikuni, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada-machi, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan. n.toshikuni@gmail.com
Telephone: +81-76-2862211 Fax: +81-76-2860892
Received: January 4, 2014
Revised: March 22, 2014
Accepted: April 30, 2014
Published online: June 21, 2014
Abstract

Liver cirrhosis (LC) patients often have protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and decreased physical activity. These conditions often lead to sarcopenia, which is the loss of skeletal muscle volume and increased muscle weakness. Recent studies have demonstrated that PEM and sarcopenia are predictors for poor survival in LC patients. Nutrition and exercise management can improve PEM and sarcopenia in those patients. Nutrition management includes sufficient dietary intake and improved nutrient metabolism. With the current high prevalence of obesity, the number of obese LC patients has increased, and restriction of excessive caloric intake without the exacerbation of impaired nutrient metabolism is required for such patients. Branched chain amino acids are good candidates for supplemental nutrients for both obese and non-obese LC patients. Exercise management can increase skeletal muscle volume and strength and improve insulin resistance; however, nutritional status and LC complications should be assessed before an exercise management regimen is implemented in LC patients. The establishment of optimal exercise regimens for LC patients is currently required. In this review, we describe nutritional status and its clinical impact on the outcomes of LC patients and discuss general nutrition and exercise management in LC patients.

Keywords: Liver cirrhosis, Protein-energy malnutrition, Sarcopenia, Obesity, Exercise

Core tip: Recent studies have shown that sarcopenia is a predictor of poor survival in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients. LC-associated sarcopenia develops based on impaired nutrient metabolism and decreased physical activity. To improve this condition, nutrition and exercise management is imperative. Energy intake with branched chain amino acid supplementation is a promising method for nutrition management. Exercise can increase skeletal muscle volume and strength; however, nutritional status and LC complications should be assessed before exercise management begins. Obesity is another health issue for LC patients; improvement of insulin resistance is a key component in nutrition and exercise management for obese LC patients.