Effect of L-arginine on immune function: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nutritional Science
• Medical Research

Background:

• L-arginine is recognized for its crucial role in immune regulation, influencing both immune responses and inflammatory processes.
• Understanding the impact of L-arginine supplementation on immune function and its safety profile is essential for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the efficacy of L-arginine supplementation in improving immune function outcomes.
• To assess the safety and incidence of adverse events associated with L-arginine supplementation.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted.
• Searches were performed across major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) for studies published up to September 2013.
• Trial quality was assessed using the Jadad method, with meta-analyses employing fixed- or random-effects models based on study heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis included data from 11 trials involving 321 patients.
• Patients receiving L-arginine supplementation demonstrated a significantly greater CD4+ T-cell proliferation response compared to controls (MD 5.03; 95% CI 1.11, 8.95; p<0.05).
• A significantly lower incidence of infectious complications was observed in the L-arginine group (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.17, 0.95; p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• L-arginine supplementation appears to be beneficial for enhancing cellular immune response, specifically CD4+ T-cell proliferation.
• Supplementation with L-arginine is associated with a reduced risk of infectious complications.
• These findings suggest a positive role for L-arginine in modulating immune function and potentially improving patient outcomes in relevant clinical settings.