Effect of L-Arginine Supplementation on Lipid Profiles and Inflammatory Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Publisher Pubmed



Sepandi M^{1, 2} ; Abbaszadeh S³ ; Qobady S⁴ ; Taghdir M^{4, 5} Show Affiliations
Source: Pharmacological Research Published:2019

Abstract

Several studies have examined the effect of oral L-Arginine supplementation on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers. However, findings are inconsistent in this regard. Therefore, the aim of this study is to summarize and examine the effect of L-Arginine supplementation on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, ISI web of science, and Google Scholar up to May 2019. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as mean changes of lipid profiles and inflammatory markers between L-Arginine supplementation and control groups were calculated using a random effect model. Subgroup analysis was used to find potential sources of heterogeneity among studies. A total of 6282 RCTs were found, of which 17 were included in the present study. A meta-analysis of 13 trials which reported the data on triglyceride (TG) revealed a borderline significant effect of the L-Arginine on TG values (WMD = −6.03 mg/dl; 95% CI: −12, −0.07, P = 0.04). Compared with the Placebo groups, there was no significant effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) after L-Arginine treatment. According to the results of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis, L-Arginine does not significantly affect CRP and TNFα indices. This review of systematic review suggests that although L-Arginine supplementation significantly reduces TG levels, other lipid profiles and inflammatory indices might not be influential. Therefore, further RCTs are recommended to assess the effect of oral L-Arginine intake on other lipid and inflammation indices. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd