Therapeutic modification of the L-arginine-eNOS pathway in cardiovascular diseases

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.