L-homoarginine and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

An increasing number of reports indicate that low levels of the endogenous amino acid L-homoarginine are linked to cardiovascular disease. In this article, we review the current findings regarding L-homoarginine metabolism and (patho-)physiology with a focus on its clinical impact.

RECENT FINDINGS:

Recent clinical and epidemiological studies revealed a strong association of low circulating L-homoarginine with cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. Human and murine studies identified L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) as the responsible enzyme for endogenous L-homoarginine formation, suggesting a further important function of AGAT apart from its involvement in creatine and energy metabolism. Further studies related L-homoarginine to smoking and hypertension, and metabolic phenotypes.

SUMMARY:

AGAT deficiency results in diminished intracellular energy stores (i.e., ATP and phosphocreatine), as well as a lack of L-homoarginine, and has been linked to an improved metabolic risk profile, but also to impaired cardiac and cerebrovascular function. L-homoarginine's structural similarity to L-arginine suggested physiological interference with L-arginine pathways (e.g., nitric oxide). Animal experiments and clinical trials are needed to improve knowledge on the physiology of L-homoarginine and differentiate its role as marker and mediator in cardiovascular disease.

• Authors: Dorothee Atzler, Edzard Schwedhelm, Chi-un Choe
• Journal: Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care (Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care) Vol. 18 Issue 1 Pg. 83-8 (Jan 2015) ISSN: 1473-6519 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25474016 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Homoarginine
• Amidinotransferases

Topics

• Amidinotransferases (deficiency)
• Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors (complications)
• Animals
• Cardiovascular Diseases (etiology, metabolism)
• Developmental Disabilities (complications)
• Energy Metabolism
• Homoarginine (deficiency, metabolism)
• Humans
• Intellectual Disability (complications)
• Speech Disorders (complications)