Objective: To investigate the effect of L-arginine on endothelial function, transcutaneous oxygen and clinical neuropathy in patients with peripheral neuropathy as a result of diabetes.
Research design and methods: Thirty diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy were randomized to receive L-arginine (3 g three times daily) or placebo (3 g three times daily) for 3 months. All patients had foot microcirculation and foot transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO(2)), neuropathy disability score (NDS) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) assessed at baseline and follow-up.
Results: No difference was observed in endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation, TcPO(2), NDS and VPT.
Conclusions: L-arginine has no effect on endothelial dysfunction, TcPO(2) and clinical neuropathy.