Protective role of l-arginine against free-radical mediated oxidative damage in patients with unstable angina

Abstract

Unstable angina is a critical condition of heart resulting from narrowing of vessels supplying blood to heart. Ischemia of the myocardium leads to oxidative stress and severe tissue damage. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of l-arginine administration on the oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis which otherwise gets imbalanced in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The results obtained, show improvement in the oxidant-antioxidant levels of the subjects upon incorporation of l-arginine. Our findings suggest that supplementation of l-arginine along with regular anti-anginal therapy may be beneficial to the patients of unstable angina. © 2010 Association of Clinical Biochemists of India.