Serum Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Chronic Rheumatic Heart Diseases: Evidence From a Population-Based Prospective Study

Observational data suggest serum BCAAs correlate with increased RHD risk, especially in individuals aged <65 years; however, causation requires experimental verification. Immune markers significantly mediate the BCAA-RHD association, indicating that immunomodulatory pathways may be potential therapeutic targets. These findings provide novel insights into RHD pathogenesis and may inform risk stratification and prevention strategies.