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Positive and negative outcomes of L-arginine therapy in cardiovascular diseases
1Cardiovascular Laboratory, Research Centre of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw.
Insights
L-arginine shows potential benefits for cardiovascular diseases, particularly in hyperlipidemia and peripheral arterial disease. However, its effectiveness varies in heart failure and shows no impact on essential hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant global health burden.
- L-arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, plays a crucial role in nitric oxide synthesis, a key regulator of vascular function.
- Investigating the therapeutic potential of L-arginine in various CVDs is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review controlled clinical investigations on the efficacy of L-arginine in managing different cardiovascular conditions.
- To synthesize evidence regarding L-arginine's effectiveness across a spectrum of CVDs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of controlled clinical trials.
- Analysis of studies investigating L-arginine's impact on hyperlipidemia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, and essential hypertension.
Main Results:
- Positive outcomes observed in hyperlipidemic subjects and critical peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
- Partial response noted in stable ischemic heart disease patients.
- Inconsistent results reported for congestive heart failure.
- No significant effects demonstrated in essential hypertension.
Conclusions:
- L-arginine demonstrates therapeutic promise in specific cardiovascular conditions like hyperlipidemia and severe peripheral arterial disease.
- Evidence for efficacy in other CVDs, such as heart failure and hypertension, is inconclusive or negative.
- Further research may delineate optimal applications of L-arginine in cardiovascular medicine.
Abstract:
The author reviews controlled clinical investigation on the effectiveness of L-arginine in cardiovascular diseases. Positive results were observed in hyperlipidemic subjects and in patients with a critical stage of the peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Patients with stable ischemic heart disease responded to L-arginine to some extent, while results of L-arginine therapy in congestive heart failure are inconsistent. Null effects if L-arginine has been documented in essential hypertension.