Arginine supplementation in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Oral administration of L-arginine in pharmacological doses induces growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I responses and stimulates nitric oxide synthesis. Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I are important mediators of bone turnover and osteoblastic bone formation, while nitric oxide is a potent inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption. Because of this dual effect on physiological regulators of bone remodeling, L-arginine could potentially increase bone formation over bone resorption, and, consequently, increase bone mass. It is, therefore, hypothesized that oral supplementation of L-arginine may be a novel strategy in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Studies of this simple, safe, and inexpensive therapy seem warranted.
Visser
J J
JJ
Department of Surgery, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Hoekman
K
K
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001120:Arginine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001846:Bone Development; D016723:Bone Remodeling; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*
D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D013006:Growth Hormone; D001120:Arginine