Cited by 1,362Amino Acid Enzymes and MetabolismPolyamine Metabolism and ApplicationsMuscle metabolism and nutrition

Arginine metabolism and nutrition in growth, health and disease

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Wu, Guoyao, Bazer, Fuller W., Davis, Teresa A., Kim, Sung Woo, Li, Peng, Marc Rhoads, J., Carey Satterfield, M., Smith, Stephen B. +2 more·2009·Amino Acids

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.

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Authors
Wu, G., Bazer, F. W., Davis, T. A., Kim, S. W., Li, P., Marc Rhoads, J., Carey Satterfield, M., Smith, S. B., Spencer, T. E., & Yin, Y.
Affiliations
  • Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
  • Texas A&M University (US)
  • Baylor College of Medicine (US)
  • North Carolina State University (US)
Corresponding author
Wu, Guoyao
Venue
Amino Acids
Published
2008-11-23
Volume
37
Issue
1
Pages
153-168
ISSN
  • 0939-4451 (ISSN-L)
  • 1438-2199
OpenAlex
W2087285715
Cited by
1,362
References
177
Citations by year
2026: 69 · 2025: 114 · 2024: 127 · 2023: 66 · 2022: 101 · 2021: 95 · 2020: 101 · 2019: 82 · 2018: 70 · 2017: 59 · 2016: 75 · 2015: 80 · 2014: 57 · 2013: 64 · 2012: 61
FWCI
3.27
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Amino Acids (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China
  • Chinese Academy of Sciences
  • National Institutes of Health (5r21hd049449-02)
  • National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (R01AR044474)
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R21 HD049449, 1R21 HD049449)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biochemistry › Amino Acid Enzymes and Metabolism
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Polyamine Metabolism and Applications
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
Keywords
arginine metabolism, L-arginine, essential amino acids, nitric oxide, polyamines, agmatine, creatine, ammonia detoxification, spermatogenesis, embryonic development, vascular tone, dietary supplementation, citrulline, obesity, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, wound healing, insulin sensitivity, immune function, reproductive function
MeSH terms
Animals, Arginine, Cystic Fibrosis, Humans, Neoplasms, Nutritional Requirements, Obesity, Reproduction, Wounds and Injuries, Muscle, Skeletal, Metabolic Syndrome, Fetal Development

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