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L‐Arginine Increases Postprandial Circulating GLP‐1 and PYY Levels in Humans
Author(s) -
Amin Anjali,
Neophytou Christina,
Thein Shermaine,
Martin Niamh M,
Alamshah Amin,
Spreckley Eleanor,
Bloom Stephen R.,
Murphy Kevin G.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.22323
Subject(s) - arginine , postprandial , endocrinology , medicine , peptide yy , meal , appetite , hormone , chemistry , amino acid , insulin , neuropeptide , biochemistry , receptor , neuropeptide y receptor
Objective The satiating effect of protein compared with other nutrients has been well described and is thought to be mediated, in part, by gut hormone release. Previously, it has been shown that oral L‐arginine acts as a GLP‐1 secretagogue both in vitro and in vivo in rodents. Here, the effect of L‐arginine on gut hormone release in humans was investigated. Methods The hypothesis was tested in two separate studies. The first study assessed the tolerability of oral L‐arginine in healthy human subjects. The second study assessed the effect of oral L‐arginine on gut hormone release following an ad libitum meal. Subjects were given L‐arginine, glycine (control amino acid), or vehicle control in a randomized double‐blind fashion. Results At a dose of 17.1 mmol, L‐arginine was well tolerated and stimulated the release of plasma GLP‐1 ( P < 0.05) and PYY ( P < 0.001) following an ad libitum meal. Food diaries showed a trend toward lower energy intake and particularly fat intake following L‐arginine treatment. Conclusions L‐arginine can significantly elevate GLP‐1 and PYY in healthy human volunteers in combination with a meal. Further work is required to investigate whether L‐arginine may have utility in the suppression of appetite and food intake.