L-ARGININE IN HEALTHY FOOD IN OBESE SUBJECTS WITH IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE AND METABOLIC SYNDROME

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is characterized by impaired glucose regulation, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, altered indices of vascular regeneration. Nitric oxide, potent endogenous vasodilator, is synthesized by nitric oxide synthase from L-arginine. Many studies showed that L-arginine supplementation improved metabolic and vascular function. A low caloric food product containing L-arginine, in form of a biscuit, was created and used in this study. Aim: This is a 7-week, double-blind crossover study performed in obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic syndrome, consisting in daily consumption of 6 biscuits (enriched with L-arginine or placebo), in order to evaluate the effects of the L-arginine, on endothelial function and vascular repair. Results: In the group receiving L-arginine-enriched biscuits we found higher L-arginine, NOx and cGMP levels and post-ischemic blood flow compared with the group receiving placebo biscuits. Then L-arginine enanched both eNOS and Akt mRNA expression levels (in EPCs) and SDF-1, VEGF-, MMP-9, SCF plasmatic levels, while reduced ADMA plasmatic levels. Further we found a body weight reduction, with a significant reduction in fat mass. Conclusion: L-arginine-enriched biscuits were able to improve endothelial and vascular function, glucose metabolism, body composition, cell mobilization and differentiation properties.