L-Arginine is the substrate for nitric oxide production. Endothelium dysfun
ction could be attributed to L-arginine deficiency or the presence of L-arg
inine endogenous inhibitors. This hypothesis leads to the assumption that p
rovision of L-arginine could be the key for endothelial function improvemen
t. Many studies have proven that L-arginine has a beneficial effect on endo
thelium dependent vasoreactivity, as well as on the interaction between vas
cular wall, platelets and leucocytes. Therefore, individuals with risk fact
ors for atherosclerosis and patients with coronary artery disease or heart
failure, could benefit from therapy with L-arginine. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scie
nce Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.