Effect of parenteral nutrition with L-arginine supplementation on postoperative immune function in patients with colorectal cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of parenteral nutrition (PN) supplemented with L-arginine on the immune function of patients with colorectal cancer after operation.


METHODS
Forty randomly chosen patients with colorectal cancer were enrolled in this study, who received either standard PN or PN supplemented with 20 g/d L-arginine for 7 d after surgical removal of the tumors. Tests of the immune function (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD4(+)/CD8(+), interleukin-2R, natural killer cells, C3, C4, CH50, IgA, IgM, IgG) were performed preoperatively and at different time periods postoperatively.


RESULTS
Data analysis with ANOVA demonstrated immune suppression in the patients before operation, and the condition was improved (as evidenced by increased CD4(+),CD4(+)/CD8(+), natural killer cells and interleukin-2R levels) in L-arginine group as compared with the results in the control group at days 4 and 7 (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Arginine can improve the immune function in patients with colorectal cancer after operation and enhance PN effect.
Song
Jing-Xiang
JX
Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Qing
San-Hua
SH
Huang
Xiang-Cheng
XC
Qi
De-Lin
DL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001120:Arginine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D011184:Postoperative Period
D001120:Arginine