Can L-arginine manipulation reduce renal disease?

The administration of L-arginine to normal animals leads to an increase in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Administration on a chronic basis of N-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME), an antagonist of L-arginine, increases blood pressure and reduces the ultrafiltration coefficient. In rats with ureteral obstruction, the administration of L-arginine increases GFR and renal blood flow in the postobstructive kidney. Administration of L-arginine decreased the macrophage infiltration of the renal parenchyma that occurs in this model. L-arginine administration also blunted the increases in interstitial volume, collagen deposition, and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin in the obstructed kidney. L-arginine administration to rats with subtotal nephrectomy reduced proteinuria and the number of abnormal glomeruli. Some of these effects may be mediated by nitric oxide (NO). In rats with diabetes, administration of L-arginine decreased hyperfiltration and proteinuria. The role of arginine and NO in glomerular diseases is controversial. In general most of the evidence indicates a beneficial change in the renal pathology and function in animals with glomerulonephritis receiving L-arginine. Most of the evidence indicates that the L-arginine-NO pathway has an important role in ameliorating hypertension, renal disease, inflammation and atherosclerosis.