The end-product method of measuring whole-body protein turnover: a review of published results and a comparison with those obtained by leucine infusion

The present review summarizes the results of all published papers on whole-body protein turnover in man measured by [N-15]glycine and the end-product method using both urea and ammonia. It begins with a short account of the underlying assumptions and the justification for the use of [N-15]glycine. The results are then compared with those of a large sample of measurements by the 'gold standard' precursor method with continuous infusion of [C-13]leucine. The pros and cons of the two methods are compared and it is suggested that there is a place for further work by the less invasive end-product method, particularly for population studies of the genetic, environmental and functional determinants of whole-body rates of protein synthesis.