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L-Arginine is the substrate of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the main precursor of nitric oxide (NO) in the vascular endothelium. L-Arginine improves endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and smokers, while its role in diabetes remains unclear. Oral supplementation of L-arginine leads to a significant improvement of endothelium-dependent forearm vasodilation in hypercholesterolemic patients, while intravenous infusion of L-arginine improves endothelial function in healthy smokers. L-Arginine has anti-hypertensive properties, although its effects on endothelial function in hypertensive patients needs further evaluation. In conclusion, L-arginine administration may be useful in patients with premature atherosclerosis.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.04.062

Type

Journal article

Journal

Int J Cardiol

Publication Date

04/04/2007

Volume

116

Pages

300 - 308

Keywords

Age Factors, Arginine, Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular Agents, Diabetes Mellitus, Endothelium, Vascular, Female, Humans, Male, Nitric Oxide, Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III, Time Factors, Vasodilation