L-Arginine for Kidney Disease
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking menopausal drugs or treatment for diabetic neuropathy, you may not be eligible to participate.
What evidence supports the effectiveness of the drug L-Arginine for kidney disease?
Some studies suggest that L-Arginine might help improve kidney function in certain conditions by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation, but its effects can vary depending on the specific type of kidney disease. In animal studies, L-Arginine has shown benefits in conditions like hypertension and diabetes-related kidney issues, but its effectiveness in humans is not fully understood and may not be beneficial in all cases.12345
Is L-Arginine safe for humans with kidney disease?
L-Arginine has shown both beneficial and harmful effects in animal studies, depending on the specific kidney condition. In humans, it does not change the course of chronic glomerular diseases, but it may be beneficial in some other kidney conditions. More research is needed to fully understand its safety and effects.14678
How does the drug L-Arginine differ from other treatments for kidney disease?
L-Arginine is unique because it is a semi-essential amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide, which can improve blood flow and kidney function. Unlike other treatments, it may have both beneficial and harmful effects depending on the specific kidney condition, and its role in treating kidney disease is not fully understood.34589
What is the purpose of this trial?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. An overactive sympathetic nervous system in CKD patients is one of the major mechanisms increasing the cardiovascular risks in this patient population. A potential signal driving sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) involves accumulation of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). ADMA is elevated in CKD and is a strong, independent predictor of future cardiovascular events in these patients. .The goal of this study is to determine whether overcoming the accumulation of endogenous ADMA with acute L-arginine infusion reduces SNA in CKD patients.
Research Team
Paul J Fadel, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Texas at Arlington
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 35-75 with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (stages 3 and 4), who have a specific level of kidney function. It's not open to those with heart failure, severe anemia, HIV, pregnant or breastfeeding women, very low blood pressure or high resting heart rate, current smokers, cancer patients undergoing treatment, or those on certain medications.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive intravenous infusion of L-arginine or saline for 30 minutes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- L-Arginine
- Placebo
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Texas at Arlington
Lead Sponsor