Background. It is suggested that the administration of L-arginine to patients with NO deficiency is the rational method both of increasing NO production by the endothelium and decreasing the free radical release. In the last year it was proved that this therapeutic procedure could be successful in patients with atherosclerotic ischaemia of the lower extremities.
Aim of the study. The aim of this study was the estimation of the influence of 28-day L-arginine oral supplementation on NO concentration and the parameters of total antioxidant status (TAS) in patients with intermittent claudication.
Material and methods. 16 patients (8 female and 8 male) were examined diagnosed with atherosclerosis of the lower extremities in Fontaine’s II stage and receiving L-arginine in the dose of 3 x 4 g/day. During the study patients were under accurate clinical observation whose aim was to evaluate drug tolerance and to notice possible adverse effects of L-arginine used in therapy. During the study in 0, after 3 h, and on the 7^th, 14^th, and 28^th day, subjective and objective examinations were conducted with evaluation of the intermittent claudication distance. From every patient the blood samples were taken for the determination of NO concentration and TAS.
Results. After L-arginine treatment in all patients we observed clinical improvement, such as elongation of intermittent claudication distance. We noticed the increase of NO-concentration and higher TAS after 3 h, 7, 14 and 28 days of L-arginine treatment.
Conclusions. Oral supplementation of L-arginine causes a significant increase of NO-concentration and TAS in patients with intermittent claudication.