Jessica Gambardella, Antonella Fiordelisi, Luca Spigno, Lorenzo Boldrini, Giulia Lungonelli, Eugenio Di Vaia, Gaetano Santulli, Daniela Sorriento, Federica Andrea Cerasuolo, Valentina Trimarco, Guido Iaccarino
Journal: Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity 2021;2021():6684568
PMID: 33815657
The amino acid L-Arginine contributes to the regulation of energetic metabolism in cells, by participating in the Krebs cycle after conversion in citrulline. Nutrition participates greatly in the development of endurance and power capabilities in response to training. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 4-week, 5 grams per day, dietary L-Arginine supplementation on serum biochemistry and exercise performance in elite water polo players. This study is a single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, randomized study. The participants were randomly assigned to the L-Arginine (n = 9) or placebo (n = 8) parallel groups. Results show that in elite water polo players, chronic L-Arginine supplementation ameliorates aerobic energy expenditure, possibly due to a positive effect on mitochondrial energetics. Authors conclude that administration of chronic L-Arginine to high-intensity athletes is safe and effective in ameliorating physical performance.
BACKGROUND
Ergogenic nutritional supplementation is sought by professional athletes for improving physical performance; nevertheless, scientific evidence to support the chronic use of L-Arginine among water polo players is missing.
METHODS
Seventeen male professional water polo players were randomly assigned to assume 5 grams per day of L-Arginine ( = 9) or placebo ( = 8) for 4 weeks. The players' fitness level was assessed in the maximal speed swimming test. Ear lobe blood samples taken before and after the effort for serum lactate content were analyzed. A speed-to-lactate ratio was generated at the baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. We also tested the effects of L-Arginine , measuring NO production, mitochondrial respiration, and gene expression in human fibroblasts.
RESULTS
L-Arginine did not modify BMI, muscle strength, and maximal speed at 200 meters after 4 weeks. However, L-Arginine ameliorated oxidative metabolism to exercise as suggested by the statistically significant lower lactate-to-speed ratio, which was not observed in placebo-treated controls. , L-Arginine induced the expression of a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC1) and genes encoding for complex I and increased the production of nitric oxide and the maximal oxygen consumption rate.
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic L-Arginine is safe and effective in ameliorating the oxidative metabolism of professional water polo players, through a mechanism of enhanced mitochondrial function.
Copyright © 2021 Jessica Gambardella et al.
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