Arginine and Nitric Oxide (NO) Metabolism in Healthy Human Volunteers

Maastricht University Medical Center33 enrolled

Overview

Investigation of arginine and NO metabolism in healthy subjects is important as a reference for alterations in arginine-NO metabolism in patients. Moreover, this study will indicate the changes during aging and gender-related differences. Although data on arginine metabolism exist in literature, data are limited to young healthy male subjects. Since patients with suspected changes in arginine metabolism, e.g. sepsis and cancer patients are often elderly and also women, knowledge of arginine metabolism in these groups is needed.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Enrollment

Conditions

Healthy

Interventions

stable isotope infusion for measurement of metabolismOTHER

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 70 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent * Age 18-25 years (young); 50-70 years (middle aged/elderly) Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetes mellitus type I * Livercirrhosis, pancreatitis, malignancies * Hypertension (diastolic blood pressure \>95 mmHg or systolic blood pressure \>160 mmHg) * History of gastrointestinal complaints * Recent involuntary weight loss (more than 10 % in 6 months or more than 5 % in one month) * Pregnancy (pregnancy test is done in female subjects) * Use of medication that can affect arginine metabolism (nitrovasodilators and corticosteroids) * Subjects with "high activity level"

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

whole body NO synthesis

postabsorptive nitric oxide synthesis measured by using stable isotope methodology

Time frame: 2 hours

Secondary Outcomes

whole body protein metabolism

postabsorptive whole body protein metabolism (protein synthesis, breakdown, net protein breakdown) measured by using stable isotope methodology

Time frame: 2 hours

whole body arginine metabolism

postabsorptive arginine metabolism measured by using stable isotope methodology

Time frame: 2 hours

blood parameters

postabsorptive blood levels (glucose, insulin, urea, amino acids, CRP)

Time frame: 2 hours

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.