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L-Arginine: a novel therapy for coronary artery disease?
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and Foundation200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. lerman.amir@mayo.edu
Insights
L-arginine supplementation shows promise for improving endothelial function and potentially treating coronary artery disease (CAD). Further clinical trials are needed to confirm its role in CAD and related cardiovascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Biochemistry
- Medical Research
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death, with increasing prevalence despite treatment improvements.
- Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of CAD, begins early and involves the vascular endothelium.
- Endothelial dysfunction, linked to the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway, may precede overt CAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of L-arginine in improving endothelial function.
- To assess the potential of L-arginine as a therapeutic agent for CAD and related disorders.
- To highlight the need for further clinical investigation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing animal model and human studies on L-arginine in cardiovascular diseases.
- Analysis of the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway's role in vascular function.
- Evaluation of L-arginine's impact on endothelial function and CAD risk factors.
Main Results:
- L-arginine, a semiessential amino acid, enhances nitric oxide (NO) production.
- Improved endothelial function and beneficial neurohormonal modulation are associated with L-arginine.
- Studies suggest L-arginine's potential in managing CAD, congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Conclusions:
- L-arginine is a safe supplement that can improve endothelial function by increasing NO production.
- Evidence supports L-arginine's potential therapeutic role in CAD and associated cardiovascular conditions.
- Prospective clinical trials are essential to definitively establish the efficacy of L-arginine in these disorders.
Abstract:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality today. The treatment of CAD is improving, but its prevalence is increasing: both primary and secondary prevention measures are of vital importance. Atherosclerosis starts at an early age; it is initiated at the vascular endothelium level, a single layer entity that modulates vascular function. Modulation of vascular function is carried out through the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Normal endothelial function requires an intact L-arginine/NO pathway and endothelium. Endothelial dysfunction may be a precursor to overt CAD. CAD risk factors have been shown to influence endothelial function, and the treatment of these risk factors can restore endothelial function. L-Arginine is a safe, novel, semiessential amino acid that increases NO production, thereby improving endothelial function. L-Arginine/NO has numerous beneficial neurohormonal modulating properties. Numerous animal model and human studies have been carried out to assess L-arginine in CAD and other related disorders such as congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Prospective clinical trials are required to assess the promising role of L-arginine in CAD and related disorders