[Prevention of the progression of atherosclerosis and aging through nitric oxide (NO)]

Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi. 2020;155(2):62-68. doi: 10.1254/fpj.19148.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

The EDRF discovered in 1986 by Furchgott was later identified as NO by Ignarro. NO was a widely noted gas with diverse functions, having arginine (L-Arg) as a substrate for the NO synthase (NOS). L-Arg and L-citrulline (L-Cit) have long been associated with the urea cycle. L-Cit was produced with NO by the reaction of L-Arg and oxygen. It was shown that administration of L-Arg in animals and humans caused vasodilation and anti-arteriosclerosis effects. Despite the arginine paradox ratio of intracellular arginine concentration to the Km value of NOS gaining widespread attention, advanced arteriosclerosis is known to reduce vascular reactivity towards L-Arg. In recent years, the anti-arteriosclerosis and anti-cell aging effects of the reactive substance citrulline (L-Cit) have been studied. L-Cit and L-Arg combination therapy are starting to be considered in various clinical applications as well.

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Arginine / pharmacology
  • Atherosclerosis / pathology
  • Atherosclerosis / prevention & control*
  • Citrulline / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Nitric Oxide / physiology*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Vasodilation

Substances

  • Citrulline
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Arginine
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase