title: Arginine metabolism and nutrition in growth, health and disease.
abstract: L-Arginine (Arg) is synthesised from glutamine, glutamate, and proline via the intestinal-renal axis in humans and most other mammals (including pigs, sheep and rats). Arg degradation occurs via multiple pathways that are initiated by arginase, nitric-oxide synthase, Arg:glycine amidinotransferase, and Arg decarboxylase. These pathways produce nitric oxide, polyamines, proline, glutamate, creatine, and agmatine with each having enormous biological importance. Arg is also required for the detoxification of ammonia, which is an extremely toxic substance for the central nervous system. There is compelling evidence that Arg regulates interorgan metabolism of energy substrates and the function of multiple organs. The results of both experimental and clinical studies indicate that Arg is a nutritionally essential amino acid (AA) for spermatogenesis, embryonic survival, fetal and neonatal growth, as well as maintenance of vascular tone and hemodynamics. Moreover, a growing body of evidence clearly indicates that dietary supplementation or intravenous administration of Arg is beneficial in improving reproductive, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal, liver and immune functions, as well as facilitating wound healing, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and maintaining tissue integrity. Additionally, Arg or L-citrulline may provide novel and effective therapies for obesity, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. The effect of Arg in treating many developmental and health problems is unique among AAs, and offers great promise for improved health and wellbeing of humans and animals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. g-wu@tamu.edu
authors.forename: Guoyao
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Fuller W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Bazer
authors.forename: Teresa A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Sung Woo
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Peng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marc Rhoads
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carey Satterfield
authors.forename: Stephen B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.forename: Yulong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000378:metabolism*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism; D047109:Fetal Development; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism; D012098:Reproduction; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001120:Arginine