L-arginine as a medication

Background. L-arginine takes part in the ornithine cycle, in which ammonia is neutralized with urea formation. Accordingly, in the absence of L-arginine, toxic ammonia accumulates in the organism. Objective. To describe the use of L-arginine as a medication. Materials and methods. Analysis of literature sources on this topic. Results and discussion. Nitric oxide (NO) is a universal mediator in the regulation of cellular functions and intercellular communication. Deficiency of this substance is a key element of endothelial dysfunction. In the human body, NO is produced from L-arginine and performs an extremely important function of vasodilation due to the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Other physiological functions of NO include the transmission of neural signals in the central and peripheral nervous system, nervous activity, histamine secretion by mast cells, intestinal peristalsis, erection, killer action against bacteria and cancer cells. Arginine deficiency occurs in hypertension, coronary heart disease, obliterating disease of peripherl arteries, primary pulmonary hypertension, obstetric and perinatal pathological conditions. Potential ways to eliminate NO deficiency include the administration of its precursor – L-arginine (Tivortin, “Yuria-Pharm”) or its donors (molsidomine, nitrates). Tivortin has antioxidant and detoxifying effects, reduces endothelial dysfunction, activates urea synthesis, promotes glucose utilization, increases blood insulin. Conclusions. 1. NO deficiency is a key element of endothelial dysfunction. 2. Physiological functions of NO are vasodilation, transmission of neural signals, intestinal motility, etc. 3. In the human body NO is formed from L-arginine. 4. Arginine deficiency occurs in hypertension, coronary heart disease, obliterating disease of the peripheral arteries, primary pulmonary hypertension, obstetric and perinatal pathological conditions. 5. L-arginine (Tivortin) prescription is one of the ways to eliminate NO deficiency. 6. Tivortin has antioxidant and detoxifying effects, reduces endothelial dysfunction, and promotes glucose utilization.