Review article: L-arginine as a nutritional prophylaxis against vascular endothelial dysfunction with aging

Kevin S. Heffernan, Christopher A. Fahs, Sushant M. Ranadive, Eshan A. Patvardhan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

With advancing age, peripheral conduit and resistance arteries lose the ability to effectively dilate owing to endothelial dysfunction. This vascular senescence contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with aging. L-arginine plays a role in numerous physiological processes including nitrogen detoxification, immunocompetence, growth hormone (GH) secretion, and insulin secretion. Recently, a considerable amount of attention has been placed on the ability of this amino acid to affect vascular endothelial function. The purpose of this review will be to examine the use of L-arginine as a novel nutritional strategy to potentially stave progression of vascular dysfunction with aging and CVD. Emphasis will be placed on the ability of L-arginine to modulate the vascular inflammatory and systemic hormonal milieu, which in turn may have a positive effect on vascular endothelial function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)17-23
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Endothelial
  • Growth hormone
  • Inflammation
  • Vascular

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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