Arginine

Arginine (abbreviated Arg or R) is one of the 20 amino acids. In mammals, arginine is classified as a semiessential or conditionally essential amino acid, depending on the developmental stage and health status of the individual. Preterm infants are unable to synthesize or create arginine internally, making the amino acid nutritionally essential for them. There are some conditions that put an increased demand on the body for the synthesis of L -arginine, including surgical or other trauma, sepsis and burns.



Potential Medical Uses
1. Lung Inflammation and asthma 2. Growth Hormone 3. MELAS Snydrome 4. Sepsis 5. Malate Salt 6. Pre-eclampsia

Functions
1. Protein 2. Precursor- Nesecary for the synthesis of creatine, polyamines, citrulline, and glutamate 3. Treatment for Dentin Hypersensitivity- provides effective relief from sensitive teeth 4. Treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus

Argenine can be found in many natural sources. Some of them are: If males have a deficiency, this deficiency could lead to infertility.
 * nuts
 * Sunflower seeds
 * Sesame seeds
 * chocolate
 * popcorn
 * raisins
 * brown rice
 * carob
 * geletin desserts
 * oatmeal
 * whole wheat bread
 * protein rich foods.

__History__

Arginine was discovered in 1895. Arginine is an amino acid that provides a wide range of benefits to the body. Arginine plays an important role in the division of cells, boosting of one's immune system, healing of wounds, and in the hormonal secretion process. In 1998, the Nobel Prize was given to three American scientists who are attributed with discovering the role that L-Arginine plays in the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is so important because it is a dilator that helps the arteries to relax, thus allowing for the better flow of blood and less strain on the heart. Also in 1998 a team of Italian researches made this connection between nitric oxide production and better blood flow when they reported that daily doses of L-Arginine given to patients reduced their systolic blood pressure.

Since the early 1990's, more and more researchers and medical professionals have been experimenting with the cardiovascular health improvement possibilities of L-Arginine. Many health professionals have tried L-Arginine supplementation themselves and have been so impressed with the results that they then recommend L-Arginine to their patients. Today Hospitals often offer an L-Arginine supplement to those patients suffering from infectious wounds in order to speed their recovery time, thus reducing the risk of acquiring an infection. Heart disease in America is the number one killer. With the prospects of L-Arginine supplementation being as promising as they are the hardening of the arteries and build up on the arterial lining, the two most common factors in heart disease, could be reversed.

Arginine Stimulates Growth Hormone Secretion by Suppressing Endogenous Somatostatin Secretion 

Abstract
To determine how arginine (Arg) stimulates GH secretion, we investigated its interaction with GHRH // in vivo // and // in vitro //. Six normal men were studied on four occasions: 1) Arg-TRH, 30 g arginine were administered in 500 mL saline in 30 min, followed by an injection of 200 // μ //g TRH; 2) GHRH-Arg-TRH, 100 // μ //g GHRH-(l–44) were given iv as a bolus immediately before the Arg infusion, followed by 200 // μ //g TRH, iv; 3) GHRH test, 100 // μ //g GHRH were given as an iv bolus; and 4) TRH test, 200 // μ //g TRH were given iv as a bolus dose. Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 30 min before and 120 min after the start of each infusion. Anterior pituitary cells from rats were coincubated with Arg (3, 6, 15, 30, and 60 mg/mL) and GHRH (0.05, 1, 5, and 10 nmol/L) for a period of 3 h. Rat GH was measured in the medium. After Arg-TRH the mean serum GH concentration increased significantly from 0.6 to 23.3 ± 7.3 (± SE) // μ //g/L at 60 min. TRH increased serum TSH and PRL significantly (maximum TSH, 11.1 ± 1.8 mU/L; maximum PRL, 74.6 ± 8.4 // μ //g/L). After GHRH-Arg-TRH, the maximal serum GH level was significantly higher (72.7 ± 13.4 // μ //g/L) than that after Arg-TRH alone, whereas serum TSH and PRL increased to comparable levels (TSH, 10.2 ± 3.0 mU/L; PRL, 64.4 ± 13.6 // μ //g/L). GHRH alone increased serum GH to 44.9 ± 9.8 // μ ///L, significantly less than when GHRH, Arg, and TRH were given. TRH alone increased serum TSH to 6.6 ± 0.6 mU/L, significantly less than the TSH response to Arg-TRH. The PRL increase after TRH only also was lower (47.2 ± 6.8 // μ //g/L) than the PRL response after Arg-TRH. // In vitro // Arg had no effect on basal and GHRH-stimulated GH secretion. Our results indicate that Arg administered with GHRH led to higher serum GH levels than did a maximally stimulatory dose of GHRH or Arg alone. The serum TSH response to Arg-TRH also was greater than that to TRH alone. We conclude that the stimulatory effects of Arg are mediated by suppression of endogenous somatostatin secretion.   

Arginine: Heart Benefits and Side Effects
There are plenty of powerful new drugs to help prevent and treat chronic health problems. But we also know that certain nutrients may help as well. Take arginine, for example. Arginine has gotten lots of attention lately for its potential heart benefits. That's important because, today, about 64 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. Deficiencies of arginine are rare. It's abundant in many different types of foods, and your body can also make it. Arginine-rich foods include red meat, fish, poultry, wheat germ, grains, nuts and seeds, and dairy products. But what does arginine do for the heart, and are there potential side effects?  

Why Do We Need Arginine?
Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is involved in a number of different functions in the body. They include: As a natural dietary supplement, arginine has garnered particular attention for its possible heart benefits.
 * wound healing
 * helping the kidneys remove waste products from the body
 * maintaining immune and hormone function

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #705e3e; font-family: Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">What Are Arginine's Heart Benefits?
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">In the body, the amino acid arginine changes into nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and also improves circulation. Some evidence shows that arginine may help improve blood flow in the arteries of the heart. That may improve symptoms of clogged arteries, chest pain or angina , and coronary artery disease. However, there currently is no data on how the long-term use of arginine affects cholesterol or heart health. Since arginine may help arteries relax and improve blood flow, it may also help with erectile dysfunction. There are other potential health benefits with arginine, such as possible reduction of blood pressure in some people and improved walking distance in patients with intermittent leg cramping and weakness known as intermittent claudication. However, the scientific studies are not conclusive enough for experts to make any firm recommendations. Not all studies on arginine have been positive. A 2006 study showed that arginine was not helpful -- and may have been harmful -- for treating heart attacks in combination with standard treatment.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #705e3e; font-family: Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Is Arginine Supplementation Safe?
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">In clinical trials, arginine has been used safely with minor side effects for up to three months. Possible side effects include abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea , and gout. It may also cause a worsening of breathing in people with asthma. Arginine may interact with certain medications that lower blood pressure. It may also interact with certain heart medications and drugs such as Viagra that treat erectile dysfunction. Pregnant women and women who are nursing should not take supplements without first talking to their doctor.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #705e3e; font-family: Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">How Much Arginine Is Needed Daily?
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">There is no recommended daily amount established for arginine because the human body normally makes enough.