Essential Role of Nonessential Amino Acid Glutamine in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a major disease that seriously harms human health and is known as the ''number one killer'' in developed countries and the leading cause of death worldwide. Glutamine is the most abundant nonessential amino acid in the human blood that has multifaceted effects on the body. Recent studies showed that glutamine is negatively corrected with the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In this review, we focused on the relationship of glutamine with macrophage polarization, nitrification stress, oxidative stress injury, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and therapeutic angiogenesis to review its roles in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Metabolomic Profiling of Angiotensin-II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Ldlr−/− Mice Points to Alteration of Nitric Oxide, Lipid, and Energy Metabolisms

“…The observed reduction in glycine concentration could be explained by an increased detoxifying activity of GLYAT in this context of incomplete FAO. Regarding the decrease in glutamine in blood, it is interesting to note that this amino acid is involved in macrophagic activation, energy homeostasis, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis and that it has been shown to be negatively correlated with atherosclerotic lesions [ 30 ]. It has also recently been shown that glutamine supplementation can reduce some atherosclerosis markers in athletes [ 31 ].…”

Shear Stress and Metabolic Disorders—Two Sides of the Same Plaque

“…Glutamine and its intermediate metabolite glutamic acid are the most abundant amino acids in the human body. Previous studies identified a negative correlation between glutamine levels and plaque progression (18). Furthermore, supplement with glutamine has cardioprotective effects in patients with CVD and diabetes and can reduce CVD mortality (116).…”

The Effects of Pro-Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Agents for the Suppression of Intimal Hyperplasia: An Evidence-Based Review

“…Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a primary cause of death for certain regions in the world, which can be a great hindrance to a continuity of human life [1]. Atherosclerosis is recognized as a major leading cause for CVD [2,3] causing obstruction of the vessels, through soft plaque calcification [4], which hardens, thickens and narrows the inner wall arteries [5,6]. Atherosclerosis progresses into coronary artery disease, causing the shortage or reduction of oxygen-rich blood flow [7] to the cardiac muscle.…”