Benefits of L-Arginine on Cardiovascular System

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2016;16(2):94-103. doi: 10.2174/1389557515666151016125826.

Abstract

The amino acid, L-Arginine (L-Arg) plays an important role in the cardiovascular system. Data from the literature show that L-Arg is the only substrate for the production of nitric oxide (NO), from which L-Arg develops its effects on the cardiovascular system. As a free radical, NO is synthesized in all mammalian cells by L-Arg with the activity of NO synthase (NOS). In states of hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and vascular inflammation a disorder occurs in the metabolic pathway of the synthesis of NO from L-Arg which all together bring alterations of blood vessels. Experimental results obtained on animals, as well as clinical studies show that L-Arg has an effect on thrombocytes, on the process of coagulation and on the fibrolytic system. This mini review represents a summary of the latest scientific animal and human studies related to L-Arg and its mechanisms of actions with a focus on the role of L-Arg via NO pathway in cardiovascular disorders. Moreover, here we present data from recent animal and clinical studies suggesting that L-Arg could be one of the possible therapeutic molecules for improving the treatment of different cardiovascular disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arginine / metabolism*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Nitric Oxide / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide
  • Arginine