BCKDHA and Sepsis: Branched-chained amino acids isoleucine and valine (Fig. 5.2) and gene expression of specific dehydrogenase subunits (Bckdha and Bckdb; Fig. 5.3) were unaltered, whereas gene expression of its regulator, branched chain ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (Bckdk; Fig. 5.4), was decreased in acute and prolonged sepsis.