The role of L-Arginine in cardiovascular system

Abstract

The essential amino acid, L-Arginine (L-Arg) has an important role in the cardiovascular system. Literature data 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 mammal cells by L-Arg with the activity of NO synthase (NOS). In the 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 to blood vessels. Clinical studies show that L-Arg has an effect on thrombocytes, the process of coagulation and the fibrolytic system. All the new data summarized in this review suggest that L-Arg could be one of important therapeutic molecules for improving cardiovascular disorders.