Περίληψη:
L-arginine is the substrate for endothelial nitric oxide synthase
(eNOS), and the precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). This
amino acid exerts a number of actions in the cardiovascular system,
mainly through the production of NO. However, it also has a number of
NO-independent properties, such as the ability to regulate blood and
intracellular pH and the effect on the depolarization of endothelial
cell membranes. It also has anti hypertensive and antioxidant
properties, it influences blood viscosity and the
coagulation/fibrinolysis system, and it affects the metabolism of
glucose, lipids and proteins. L-arginine influences a number of
atherosclerosis risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension
and smoking, improving endothelial function in these patients. However,
it does not affect endothelial function in patients with diabetes
mellitus. The role Of L-arginine in coronary artery disease is still
controversial, but it seems that oral or parenteral administration of
this amino acid restores endothelial function in the brachial artery and
improves coronary microcirculation. The role Of L-arginine in heart
failure is currently under investigation, and the first results are
rather hopeful. In conclusion, L-arginine seems to provide a hopeful
prospect for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, more
data derived from large-scale prospective studies evaluating the effects
of long-term treatment with L-arginine are needed.
Συγγραφείς:
Tousoulis, D
Antoniades, C
Tentolouris, C
Goumas, G and
Stefanadis, C
Toutouzas, P
