Effect of L-arginine on the microcirculation in the neuropathic diabetic foot in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of L-arginine on endothelial function, transcutaneous oxygen and clinical neuropathy in patients with peripheral neuropathy as a result of diabetes.


METHODS
Thirty diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy were randomized to receive L-arginine (3 g three times daily) or placebo (3 g three times daily) for 3 months. All patients had foot microcirculation and foot transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO(2)), neuropathy disability score (NDS) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) assessed at baseline and follow-up.


RESULTS
No difference was observed in endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation, TcPO(2), NDS and VPT.


CONCLUSIONS
L-arginine has no effect on endothelial dysfunction, TcPO(2) and clinical neuropathy.
Jude
E B
EB
Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Ashton-under-Lyne, UK. Edward.jude@tgh.nhs.uk
Dang
C
C
Boulton
A J M
AJ
D001120:Arginine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010919:Placebos; D001120:Arginine