
Speakers:
Juan Ochoa Gautier, MD, FACS, FCCM
Event date: 10 April 2024
Arginine is an essential amino acid for dogs, cats, birds, and fish, but is conditionally essential for humans and rodents. Found in multiple proteins, arginine can be acquired from the diet, recycled during protein turnover, and created endogenously in some species.
Arginine may become depleted through malnutrition, sarcopenia, certain diseases such as cancer, and after surgery or trauma. Lack of arginine as a substrate for particular metabolic processes results in physiologic impairments that, in turn, lead to clinical disease. Arginine deficiency can also rapidly lead to severe metabolic abnormalities and immune dysfunction.
In human medicine, research into arginine replacement therapy has shown beneficial effects. This session reviews arginine deficiency syndrome, the physiologic and clinical consequences of arginine deficiency, and studies investigating arginine replacement therapy in humans.
Related Content
Nutritional Modulation of Immunity and Inflammation
Normal immune and inflammatory responses are influenced by many factors, including aging and nutrition. Learn how specific nutrients can modify inflammatory and cell-mediated immune responses.
Immunonutrition—Companion Animal Perspectives
Explore the interplay between diet and the gut-associated immune system. From providing essential nutrients to modulating immune function, dietary interventions offer opportunities to optimize immune health and reduce immune-related disorders.