Growth Hormone Response to L-Arginine Alone and Combined with Different Doses of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background. Arginine (ARG) can modulate growth hormone (GH) release by suppressing its endogenous inhibitory regulator, somatostatin. ARG also induces the release of the GH-releasing hormone (GHRH). This study aims to review the effects of L-arginine supplementation alone and combined with GHRH in different doses on GH secretion. Methods. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, an electronic literature search was conducted on Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases. All eligible studies were randomized clinical trials that reported the effects of ARG supplementation alone or with GHRH on GH levels. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed as the effect size. Results. Meta-analyses showed significant effects of ARG alone on GH release (MD = 10.07, 95% CI: 7.87, 12.28). Moreover, the response of GH was greater with ARG in combination with GHRH (MD = 24.96, 95% CI: 17.51, 32.42). There was no significant difference between the patients and healthy individuals and between oral and injection use of ARG. The systematic review revealed the important role of ARG in combination with other amino acids on GH secretion in patients with GH deficiency. Conclusion. This study revealed that in GH-deficient individuals, high doses of ARG supplementation in combination with GHRH and/or other amino acids might have potential therapeutic effects on increasing GH concentrations. These findings propose that ARG supplementation can be considered as a potential stimulator in management of GH deficiency.

Retrospective Assessment of Changes in Perceived Health Status during Continuous Use of a Dietary Supplement

“…Arginine supplementation also increased GH levels in elderly volunteers [8]. Several other studies have likewise demonstrated the pro-GH influence of L-arginine supplementation [9].…”

Association between Childhood Overweight and Altered Concentrations of Circulating Amino Acids

“…In a 3-year follow-up on 1000 patients submitted to cardiac catheterization surgery, decreased global GABR, representing the arginine/[ornithine + citrulline] ratio, was linked to the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (death, myocardial infarction, stroke) [ 13 ], a finding that was confirmed by later independent studies [ 31 , 32 ]. Our observation of a positive correlation between the GABR and fasting glucose, even after adjustment for age and gender, rather than being clinically detrimental as discussed above for adult cohorts, could be a specific and non-pathological characteristic of the young age, as arginine is an amino acid that stimulates the secretion of the growth hormone (GH) [ 33 ], a key anabolic hormone supporting children growth.…”

The Effectiveness of L-arginine in Clinical Conditions Associated with Hypoxia

“…GH, especially in higher amounts, can negatively affect the human body through mitogenic effects, increasing the risk of cancer [76]. GH has also been found to reduce carbohydrate utilisation by decreasing glucose uptake, which can hinder the delivery of energy, particularly in endurance sports [77][78][79]. Collier et al [80] showed a higher maximum GH concentration in a group taking 9 g Arg than in those supplemented with 5 g Arg and placebo.…”