title: Effect of L-arginine on the microcirculation in the neuropathic diabetic foot in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Ashton-under-Lyne, UK. Edward.jude@tgh.nhs.uk
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Jude
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dang
authors.forename: A J M
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Boulton
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D001120:Arginine