This meta- analysis concludes that l-arginine supplementation can significantly reduce blood TAG levels ; however , there is insufficient evidence to support its hypocholesterolaemic effects .
A number of clinical trials have examined the effect of l-arginine on lipid profile in recent years ; however , the results remain equivocal .
Therefore , the present study aims to summarise and quantitatively examine the available evidence on the effectiveness l-arginine supplementation on lipid parameters using a systematic review and meta-analytic approach .
Effect of 3-month L-arginine supplementation on insulin resistance and tumor necrosis factor activity in patients with visceral obesity.
BACKGROUND The role of tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-alpha ) , one of the adipose tissue products , in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance is well-documented . Many recent studies have shown beneficial influence of L-arginine supplementation on cardiovascular system . However , molecular mechanisms of its positive actions are not fully eluci date d. AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of L-arginine supplementation on tumor necrosis factor alpha , insulin resistance and selected anthropometric and biochemical parameters in patients with visceral obesity . PATIENTS AND METHODS 60 patients with visceral obesity were r and omly assigned to either receive 9 g of L-arginine or placebo for 3 months . 20 healthy lean subjects were used as control . Selected anthropometrical measurements and blood biochemical analyses were performed at baseline and after 3-months . TNF-alpha and its soluble receptor 2 ( sTNFR2 ) were assessed in both treated groups . Insulin resistance in the participants was evaluated according to the homeostasis model assessment -insulin resistance ( HOMA-IR ) protocol . RESULTS The concentration of insulin , TNF-a and sTNFR2 and HOMA-IR level in both obese groups significantly exceeded these observed in the control . Basal TNF-alpha and sTNFR2 concentrations were positively correlated with basal body mass index ( BMI ) , waist circumference , percent of body fat and HOMA-IR . We found that 3-month L-arginine supplementation result ed in significant decrease of HOMA-IR and insulin concentration . Only insignificant tendency to decrease of TNF-alpha and sTNFR2 was observed . CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm TNF-alpha role in the complex pathogenesis of insulin resistance in patients with visceral obesity . 3-months L-arginine supplementation in a dose of 9 g improves insulin sensitivity in patients with visceral obesity with no impact on tumor necrosis factor alpha concentration
This meta- analysis concludes that l-arginine supplementation can significantly reduce blood TAG levels ; however , there is insufficient evidence to support its hypocholesterolaemic effects .
A number of clinical trials have examined the effect of l-arginine on lipid profile in recent years ; however , the results remain equivocal .
Therefore , the present study aims to summarise and quantitatively examine the available evidence on the effectiveness l-arginine supplementation on lipid parameters using a systematic review and meta-analytic approach .