What Is L-Arginine? Other Names: Malate de Di-Arginine, Orotate de Di-Arginine, R-Gene 10

What is L-Arginine?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. It is involved in protein synthesis, immune response, and the urea cycle. Additionally, L-Arginine is a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), a vital molecule for vascular health and cellular communication. Other names include: 2-Amino-5-(diaminomethylidene amino) pentanoic acid, 2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, (2S)-2-Amino-5-{[amino (imino) methyl]amino}pentanoic Acid, (S)-2-Amino-5- Guanidinopentanoic Acid, Acide 2-Amino-5-Guanidinopentanoïque, Arg, Arginine, Arginine Aspartate, Arginine Ethyl Ester, Arginine Ethyl Ester Dihydrochloride, Arginine Ethyl Ester HCl, Arginine HCl, Arginine Hydrochloride, Di-Arginine Malate, Di-Arginine Orotate, Di-L-Arginine-L-Malate, Dl-Arginine, L-Arginina, L-Arginine Ethyl Ester Dichloride, L-Arginine HCl, L-Arginine Hexanoate, L-Arginine Hydrochloride, L-Arginine Ketoisocaproic Acid, L-Arginine L-Pyroglutamate, L-Arginine Pyroglutamate, L-Arginine Taurinate, Malate de Di-Arginine, Orotate de Di-Arginine, R-Gene 10.

Biological Functions

Nitric Oxide Production

L-Arginine is the substrate for nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide. NO is a critical signaling molecule that helps regulate vascular tone, blood pressure, and endothelial function. Studies have shown that L-Arginine supplementation can improve endothelial function and reduce vascular inflammation, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health1 5 6.

Immune Response

L-Arginine is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. It is required for the activation of macrophages, which are immune cells that play a key role in defending the body against infections and tumors. L-Arginine enhances the cytotoxic activity of macrophages, enabling them to inhibit the growth of target cells, such as tumor cells9.

Antioxidant Properties

L-Arginine has been shown to induce antioxidant responses, thereby reducing oxidative stress. It stimulates the synthesis of glutathione, a major antioxidant, and activates the Nrf2 pathway, which upregulates the expression of various antioxidant enzymes. This helps in protecting cells from oxidative damage4.

Clinical Applications

Cardiovascular Health

L-Arginine supplementation has been extensively studied for its potential benefits in cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown to improve endothelial function, reduce blood pressure, and enhance the effects of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with cardiovascular conditions. For instance, L-Arginine supplementation improved physical performance and reduced perceived exertion in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction3. Additionally, it has been found to ameliorate insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation in patients with stable cardiovascular disease5.

Exercise Performance

L-Arginine is also popular as an ergogenic aid, aimed at enhancing exercise performance. It is believed to improve strength, power, and muscle recovery by increasing nitric oxide production, which promotes vasodilation and improves blood flow to active muscles. However, the evidence is mixed, with some studies showing significant improvements in exercise performance, while others do not2.

Reproductive Health

In animal studies, L-Arginine has been shown to improve semen quality and libido, particularly under conditions of heat stress. It enhances sperm motility, normality, and total sperm count, and also improves antioxidant capacity in semen, which is crucial for maintaining sperm health8.

Gut Health

L-Arginine supplementation has been found to alleviate intestinal injury and modulate gut microbiota in broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens. It enhances intestinal immune responses, absorption, and barrier function, thereby improving overall gut health10.

Safety and Tolerability

L-Arginine is generally well-tolerated when taken in appropriate doses. Side effects are rare and usually mild, including gastrointestinal discomfort. High doses may lead to more significant side effects, but these are uncommon7.

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Adverse Effects of L-Arginine

Renal and Cardiovascular Detriments in Aging

Long-term L-Arginine supplementation can accelerate kidney aging, increase inflammation, fibrosis, and albuminuria, and elevate mortality, particularly in elderly females1 6.

Gastrointestinal Issues

High doses of L-Arginine can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These effects are dose-dependent and more pronounced at doses above 9 g/day2 5.

Variable Individual Responses

Individuals show varied biochemical responses to L-Arginine supplementation, with some experiencing significant adverse effects at higher doses (21-30 g/day)5.

Lack of Significant Benefits in Certain Conditions

In severe asthma, L-Arginine supplementation did not significantly reduce asthma exacerbations8.

In cardiovascular health, while L-Arginine can improve some parameters, its benefits are inconsistent and depend on the specific cardiovascular condition and patient profile10.

Potential for Increased Oxidative Stress

L-Arginine supplementation in aging can increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease nitric oxide production, contributing to vascular dysfunction1.

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How has L-Arginine Improved Patient Outcomes?

Cardiac Function and Heart Failure

L-Arginine supplementation significantly improves cardiac function, including ejection fraction, left ventricular function, and diastolic dysfunction, as well as quality of life in patients with heart failure1.

COVID-19

In patients with severe COVID-19, L-Arginine reduces the length of hospitalization and decreases the need for respiratory support at 10 days, although this effect is not sustained at 20 days2.

L-Arginine combined with Vitamin C improves physical performance, muscle strength, endothelial function, and reduces persistent fatigue in adults with long COVID10.

Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

Long-term L-Arginine supplementation enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces fat mass, preserves muscle mass, and improves glucose metabolism and endothelial function in obese type 2 diabetic patients3.

In non-diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease, L-Arginine improves endothelial function, reduces inflammation, and enhances insulin sensitivity9.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

L-Arginine improves symptoms of intermittent claudication by increasing pain-free and absolute walking distances and enhancing endothelium-dependent vasodilation in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease4.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Short-term oral L-Arginine supplementation improves hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension5.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

L-Arginine enhances the effects of cardiac rehabilitation by improving physical performance, as evidenced by increased walking distance and reduced perceived exertion in patients post-myocardial infarction7.

Fertility

L-Arginine improves ovarian response, endometrial receptivity, and pregnancy rates in poor responder women undergoing in-vitro fertilization8.

General Hospitalized Patients

While L-Arginine has shown potential benefits in immune function and wound healing markers, its routine use in critically ill patients is not universally recommended due to inconsistent results and potential risks6.

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L-Arginine Mechanisms of Action

Nitric Oxide Production and Vascular Function

L-Arginine serves as a precursor for nitric oxide (NO), which is crucial for endothelial function and vasodilation. This mechanism is particularly relevant in conditions like hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, where L-Arginine improves endothelial function and vasodilation2 8.

Activation of Signaling Pathways

L-Arginine activates the GPRC6A/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, promoting cell proliferation and development, as seen in the mammary gland development in pubertal mice1.

It also stimulates the Nrf2 pathway, enhancing antioxidant responses and glutathione synthesis, thereby reducing oxidative stress3.

Insulin Secretion

L-Arginine potentiates glucose-induced insulin secretion through membrane depolarization and activation of protein kinases A and C, independent of nitric oxide4 7.

Protein Aggregation and Refolding

L-Arginine suppresses protein aggregation and enhances protein refolding, increasing the solubility of unfolded protein species5 6.

Immune Function

L-Arginine is essential for the cytotoxic activity of activated macrophages, which inhibit mitochondrial respiration and DNA synthesis in target cells. This effect is dependent on the presence of L-Arginine during the interaction period9.

It regulates T-lymphocyte cell-cycle progression by influencing the expression of cyclin D3 and cdk4, which are crucial for cell cycle progression10.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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