Role of glutamine in health and disease

Glutamine maintains tissue function. intestinal mucosal integrity, immune c ell activation, renal buffering mechanisms, DNA and protein synthesis, and generation of metabolic fuels are dependent on body glutamine stores. Durin g states of illness (e.g., sepsis, trauma, neoplasia), glutamine use can ex ceed the body's synthetic capacity, thereby causing its depletion. Glutamin e depletion can have negative consequences, including protein catabolism, d epressed immune function, intestinal mucosal atrophy, and metabolic acidosi s. Dysfunction of the intestinal tract and immune system can lead to bacter emia, sepsis, and multiorgan failure. Glutamine supplementation during crit ical illness may be associated with improved clinical outcome.