human
***TASK*** the task is to summarize an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***INPUT*** the input is a biomedical literature 
    ***OUTPUT*** the output is the summary of an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***DOCUMENTATION*** 
    ***EXAMPLES*** 
    Input: Background : Recently , the potential of L-arginine supplementation as a novel and effective strategy for weight loss and improving biochemical parameters in obese patients has been under consideration . Objectives : To evaluate the influence of 8-week oral L-arginine supplementation on body mass index ( BMI ) , waist circumference ( WC ) , triceps skinfold ( TS ) , subscapular skinfold ( SS ) , systolic blood pressure ( SBP ) , diastolic blood pressure ( DBP ) , plasma fasting blood sugar ( FBS ) , glycated hemoglobin ( HbA1c ) , triglyceride ( TG ) , total cholesterol ( TC ) , low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) , high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) , and malondialdehyde ( MDA ) in patients with BMI values > 29.9 or visceral obesity ( WC > 102 cm in men or > 88 cm in women ) . Patients and Methods : Ninety obese patients were included in a single-blind r and omized controlled trial . Patients were r and omized to receive either L-arginine ( 3 or 6 g thrice daily ) or placebo for 8 weeks . Anthropometric and biochemical indices , dietary intake , and blood pressure values were measured at the baseline and after the 8-week intervention . Results : Significant decreases in anthropometric parameters , blood pressure ( SBP , DBP ) , FBS , HbA1c , LDL , MDA ( P < 0.001 ) , TG ( P = 0.02 ) , and TC ( P = 0.002 ) and a significant increase in HDL ( P < 0.001 ) were observed in the intervention group , compared to the control group . In the control group , no significant differences were found between the baseline and end-of-intervention measurements . Conclusions : In conclusion , oral L-Arginine supplementation appears to improve anthropometric parameters , blood pressure values , and some blood biochemical indices associated with cardiovascular disease prevention Background In the present study , the effect of arginine and leucine supplementation , and dietary protein level , were investigated in commercial crossbred pigs to clarify their individual or combined impact on plasma metabolites , hepatic fatty acid composition and mRNA levels of lipid sensitive factors . The experiment was conducted on fifty-four entire male pigs ( Duroc × Pietrain × Large White × L and race crossbred ) from 59 to 92 kg of live weight . Each pig was r and omly assigned to one of six experimental treatments ( n = 9 ) . The treatments followed a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement , providing two levels of arginine supplementation ( 0 vs. 1 % ) and three levels of basal diet ( normal protein diet , NPD ; reduced protein diet , RPD ; reduced protein diet with 2 % of leucine , RPDL ) . Results Significant interactions between arginine supplementation and protein level were observed across plasma lipids . While dietary arginine  increased total lipids , total cholesterol , HDL-cholesterol , LDL-cholesterol , VLDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerols in NPD , the inverse effect was observed in RPD . Overall , dietary treatments had a minor impact on hepatic fatty acid composition . RPD increased 18:1c9 fatty acid while the combination of leucine and RPD reduced 18:0 fatty acid . Arginine supplementation increased the gene expression of FABP1 , which contributes for triacylglycerols synthesis without affecting hepatic fatty acids content . RPD , with or without leucine addition , upregulated the lipogenic gene CEBPA but downregulated the fat oxidation gene LPIN1 . Conclusions Arginine supplementation was responsible for a modulated effect on plasma lipids , which is dependent on dietary protein level . It consistently increased lipaemia in NPD , while reducing the correspondent metabolites in RPD . In contrast , arginine had no major impact , neither on hepatic fatty acids content nor on fatty acid composition . Likewise , leucine supplementation of RPD , regardless the presence of arginine , promoted no changes on total fatty acids in the liver . Ultimately , arginine , leucine and dietary protein reduction seem to be unrelated with fatty liver development Our study aims at investigating a possible role for L-arginine and D-arginine in insulin-mediated glucose uptake .  Twelve lean healthy subjects volunteered for the study and were su bmi tted to three euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamps to investigate the effect of L-arginine ( 0.5 g/min in the last 60 minutes of the clamp ) , D-arginine ( 0.5 g/min in the last 60 minutes of the clamp ) , and saline 0.9 % NaCl on insulin-mediated glucose uptake . All tests were made in r and om order . In study 1 , L-arginine versus saline infusion was associated with a significant increase in blood flow ( 131 % + /- 7 % v 87 % + /- 5 % , P < .001 ) and whole-body glucose disposal ( [ WBGD ] 61.4 + /- 4.4 v 41.3 + /- 3.5 mumol/kg fat-free mss [FFM].min , P < .001 ) . Analysis of substrate oxidation demonstrated that both oxidative and nonoxidative glucose metabolism was improved by L-arginine delivery . After adjustment for the change in blood flow , WBGD was still greater after L-arginine than after saline infusion . Along with L-arginine infusion and independently of the change in blood flow , the percent change in WBGD correlated with the percent change in plasma cGMP ( r = .55 , P < .05 ) . D-Arginine infusion did not affect insulin-mediated glucose uptake . In particular , WBGD ( 42.1 + /- 3.4 v 41.3 + /- 3.5 mumol/kg FFM.min , P = NS ) was similar in both experimental conditions . Basal levels ( 2.8 + /- 0.2 v 2.7 + /- 0.3 nmol/L , P = NS ) and the insulin-mediated increase ( 43 % + /- 5 % v 39 % + /- 4 % , P = NS ) in plasma cGMP were also superimposable along with insulin plus D-arginine and insulin alone , respectively . Finally , blood flow ( 224 + /- 29 v 230 + /- 35 mL/min , P = NS ) was not different at baseline and was similarly stimulated ( 84 % + /- 4 % v 87 % + /- 5 % , P = NS ) by insulin infusion . In conclusion , L-arginine but not D-arginine stimulates insulin-mediated glucose uptake . Nitric oxide ( NO ) , the metabolic mediator for L-arginine , potentiates insulin-mediated glucose uptake through the increase in blood flow . Nevertheless , an independent effect of intracellular cGMP on WBGD can not be ruled out Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term influence of l-arginine intake on mineral concentration in patients with obesity and to assess the changes in lipid serum levels , fat content , and insulin resistance that result . Methods A r and omized double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted . 88 obese patients were r and omly assigned to receive either 9 g of l-arginine or placebo daily , for 6 months . At baseline and after 6 months , selected anthropometrical measurements and blood biochemical analyses were performed and mineral levels were assessed . To assess insulin sensitivity , the gold-st and ard euglycemic clamp methodology was used . Results We found that 6 months of l-arginine supplementation result ed in significant increases in insulin sensitivity ( Δ1.1 mg/kg/min , P < 0.01 ) and zinc levels ( Δ1.5 μmol/L , P < 0.001 ) . Moreover , a positive correlation between the change in zinc concentration in serum and the change in insulin sensitivity was observed ( R = 0.80 , P < 0.01 ) . In the group of patients treated with l-arginine , a negative correlation between the change in zinc concentration in serum and the change in body fat content was noted ( R = −0.38 , P < 0.05 ) . Conclusions l-Arginine supplementation affects zinc status in obese patients . One beneficial influence is related to the improvements in insulin sensitivity Fifty-four entire male pigs ( Duroc × Pietrain × Large White × L and race ) from a commercial crossbred operation were used to investigate the effect of dietary Arg supplementation , protein reduction ( PR ) , and Leu supplementation on performance , carcass traits , and meat quality . Pigs weighing 58.9 ± 1.6 kg BW were r and omly assigned to 1 of 6 treatments ( n = 9 ) . The 6 dietary treatments were normal CP diet ( 16 % CP , NPD ) , reduced CP diet ( 13 % CP , RPD ) , reduced CP diet with Leu addition to 2.0 % ( RPDL ) , normal CP diet supplemented with 1 % Arg ( 16 % CP , Arg-NPD ) , reduced CP diet supplemented with 1 % Arg ( 13 % CP , Arg-RPD ) , and reduced CP diet with Leu addition to 2.0 % and supplemented with 1 % Arg ( 13 % CP , Arg-RPDL ) . Pigs were slaughtered at 91.7 ± 1.6 kg BW . Dietary Arg supplementation had no effect on intramuscular fat ( IMF ) content but produced meat off-flavor and increased meat tenderness and overall acceptability . The PR increased ( P < 0.001 ) IMF content ( 45 % to 48 % ) but negatively affected the growth performance of pigs . In addition , PR increased ( P < 0.05 ) back fat thickness and decreased loin weight . Leucine addition did not affect IMF content , back fat thickness , or loin weight . There was an increase of juiciness with PR and Leu addition , which accompanied the increase of IMF content with the low-CP diet . The PR increased meat deposition of 18:1c9 , SFA , MUFA , and PUFA , which were not correlated with any pork sensory trait . The main combined effect of Arg was an increased tenderness and overall acceptability of pork . In conclusion , it was confirmed that dietary CP reduction enhances pork eating quality but negatively affects growth performance and carcass characteristics of pigs In hypercholesterolemic rabbits , oral L-arginine ( the substrate for endothelium derived nitric oxide ) attenuates endothelial dysfunction and atheroma formation , but the effect in hypercholesterolemic humans is unknown . Using high resolution external ultrasound , we studied arterial physiology in 27 hypercholesterolemic subjects aged 29+/-5 ( 19 - 40 ) years , with known endothelial dysfunction and LDL-cholesterol levels of 238+/-43 mg/dl . Each subject was studied before and after 4 wk of L-arginine ( 7 grams x 3/day ) or placebo powder , with 4 wk washout , in a r and omized double-blind crossover study . Brachial artery diameter was measured at rest , during increased flow ( causing endothelium-dependent dilation , EDD ) and after sublingual glyceryl trinitrate ( causing endothelium-independent dilation ) . After oral L-arginine , plasma L-arginine levels rose from 115+/-103 to 231+/-125 micromol/liter ( P<0.001 ) , and EDD improved from 1.7+/-1.3 to 5.6+/-3.0 % ( P<0.001 ) . In contrast there was no significant change in response to glyceryl trinitrate . After placebo there were no changes in endothelium-dependent or independent vascular responses . Lipid levels were unchanged after L-arginine and placebo . Dietary supplementation with L-arginine significantly improves EDD in hypercholesterolemic young adults , and this may impact favorably on the atherogenic process BACKGROUND Oral amino acid intake reduces plasma glucose in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats . This study examined the effect of oral amino acid supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( DM ) . MATERIAL / METHODS A double blind pilot clinical trial was conducted for a period of 2 months on 77 subjects with type 2 DM . Subjects of both sexes , ages 30 - 60 , were included in the trial . All were receiving oral antidiabetic tablets . They were divided into groups on the basis of oral supplementation : ( A ) lysine , ( B ) essential amino acids , ( C ) amino acids and vitamins ( fat and water-soluble ) , and ( D ) calcium phosphate ( control ) . The subjects were periodically examined for fasting and post-pr and ial plasma glucose , fasting and post-pr and ial immunoreactive insulin , plasma amino acids , glycosylated haemoglobin ( HbA1c ) , proteins and albumin in serum , urea and creatinine in plasma and sugar , and proteins and ketones in urine . RESULTS The results revealed a significant decrease in PP plasma glucose ( P<0.05 ) in 
    Output:
    
agent
This meta- analysis concludes that l-arginine supplementation can significantly reduce blood TAG levels ; however , there is insufficient evidence to support its hypocholesterolaemic effects .
***TASK*** the task is to summarize an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***INPUT*** the input is a biomedical literature 
    ***OUTPUT*** the output is the summary of an input biomedical literature in six sentences 
    ***DOCUMENTATION*** 
    ***EXAMPLES*** 
    Input: Background : Recently , the potential of L-arginine supplementation as a novel and effective strategy for weight loss and improving biochemical parameters in obese patients has been under consideration . Objectives : To evaluate the influence of 8-week oral L-arginine supplementation on body mass index ( BMI ) , waist circumference ( WC ) , triceps skinfold ( TS ) , subscapular skinfold ( SS ) , systolic blood pressure ( SBP ) , diastolic blood pressure ( DBP ) , plasma fasting blood sugar ( FBS ) , glycated hemoglobin ( HbA1c ) , triglyceride ( TG ) , total cholesterol ( TC ) , low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) , high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) , and malondialdehyde ( MDA ) in patients with BMI values > 29.9 or visceral obesity ( WC > 102 cm in men or > 88 cm in women ) . Patients and Methods : Ninety obese patients were included in a single-blind r and omized controlled trial . Patients were r and omized to receive either L-arginine ( 3 or 6 g thrice daily ) or placebo for 8 weeks . Anthropometric and biochemical indices , dietary intake , and blood pressure values were measured at the baseline and after the 8-week intervention . Results : Significant decreases in anthropometric parameters , blood pressure ( SBP , DBP ) , FBS , HbA1c , LDL , MDA ( P < 0.001 ) , TG ( P = 0.02 ) , and TC ( P = 0.002 ) and a significant increase in HDL ( P < 0.001 ) were observed in the intervention group , compared to the control group . In the control group , no significant differences were found between the baseline and end-of-intervention measurements . Conclusions : In conclusion , oral L-Arginine supplementation appears to improve anthropometric parameters , blood pressure values , and some blood biochemical indices associated with cardiovascular disease prevention Background In the present study , the effect of arginine and leucine supplementation , and dietary protein level , were investigated in commercial crossbred pigs to clarify their individual or combined impact on plasma metabolites , hepatic fatty acid composition and mRNA levels of lipid sensitive factors . The experiment was conducted on fifty-four entire male pigs ( Duroc × Pietrain × Large White × L and race crossbred ) from 59 to 92 kg of live weight . Each pig was r and omly assigned to one of six experimental treatments ( n = 9 ) . The treatments followed a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement , providing two levels of arginine supplementation ( 0 vs. 1 % ) and three levels of basal diet ( normal protein diet , NPD ; reduced protein diet , RPD ; reduced protein diet with 2 % of leucine , RPDL ) . Results Significant interactions between arginine supplementation and protein level were observed across plasma lipids . While dietary arginine  increased total lipids , total cholesterol , HDL-cholesterol , LDL-cholesterol , VLDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerols in NPD , the inverse effect was observed in RPD . Overall , dietary treatments had a minor impact on hepatic fatty acid composition . RPD increased 18:1c9 fatty acid while the combination of leucine and RPD reduced 18:0 fatty acid . Arginine supplementation increased the gene expression of FABP1 , which contributes for triacylglycerols synthesis without affecting hepatic fatty acids content . RPD , with or without leucine addition , upregulated the lipogenic gene CEBPA but downregulated the fat oxidation gene LPIN1 . Conclusions Arginine supplementation was responsible for a modulated effect on plasma lipids , which is dependent on dietary protein level . It consistently increased lipaemia in NPD , while reducing the correspondent metabolites in RPD . In contrast , arginine had no major impact , neither on hepatic fatty acids content nor on fatty acid composition . Likewise , leucine supplementation of RPD , regardless the presence of arginine , promoted no changes on total fatty acids in the liver . Ultimately , arginine , leucine and dietary protein reduction seem to be unrelated with fatty liver development Our study aims at investigating a possible role for L-arginine and D-arginine in insulin-mediated glucose uptake .  Twelve lean healthy subjects volunteered for the study and were su bmi tted to three euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamps to investigate the effect of L-arginine ( 0.5 g/min in the last 60 minutes of the clamp ) , D-arginine ( 0.5 g/min in the last 60 minutes of the clamp ) , and saline 0.9 % NaCl on insulin-mediated glucose uptake . All tests were made in r and om order . In study 1 , L-arginine versus saline infusion was associated with a significant increase in blood flow ( 131 % + /- 7 % v 87 % + /- 5 % , P < .001 ) and whole-body glucose disposal ( [ WBGD ] 61.4 + /- 4.4 v 41.3 + /- 3.5 mumol/kg fat-free mss [FFM].min , P < .001 ) . Analysis of substrate oxidation demonstrated that both oxidative and nonoxidative glucose metabolism was improved by L-arginine delivery . After adjustment for the change in blood flow , WBGD was still greater after L-arginine than after saline infusion . Along with L-arginine infusion and independently of the change in blood flow , the percent change in WBGD correlated with the percent change in plasma cGMP ( r = .55 , P < .05 ) . D-Arginine infusion did not affect insulin-mediated glucose uptake . In particular , WBGD ( 42.1 + /- 3.4 v 41.3 + /- 3.5 mumol/kg FFM.min , P = NS ) was similar in both experimental conditions . Basal levels ( 2.8 + /- 0.2 v 2.7 + /- 0.3 nmol/L , P = NS ) and the insulin-mediated increase ( 43 % + /- 5 % v 39 % + /- 4 % , P = NS ) in plasma cGMP were also superimposable along with insulin plus D-arginine and insulin alone , respectively . Finally , blood flow ( 224 + /- 29 v 230 + /- 35 mL/min , P = NS ) was not different at baseline and was similarly stimulated ( 84 % + /- 4 % v 87 % + /- 5 % , P = NS ) by insulin infusion . In conclusion , L-arginine but not D-arginine stimulates insulin-mediated glucose uptake . Nitric oxide ( NO ) , the metabolic mediator for L-arginine , potentiates insulin-mediated glucose uptake through the increase in blood flow . Nevertheless , an independent effect of intracellular cGMP on WBGD can not be ruled out Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term influence of l-arginine intake on mineral concentration in patients with obesity and to assess the changes in lipid serum levels , fat content , and insulin resistance that result . Methods A r and omized double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted . 88 obese patients were r and omly assigned to receive either 9 g of l-arginine or placebo daily , for 6 months . At baseline and after 6 months , selected anthropometrical measurements and blood biochemical analyses were performed and mineral levels were assessed . To assess insulin sensitivity , the gold-st and ard euglycemic clamp methodology was used . Results We found that 6 months of l-arginine supplementation result ed in significant increases in insulin sensitivity ( Δ1.1 mg/kg/min , P < 0.01 ) and zinc levels ( Δ1.5 μmol/L , P < 0.001 ) . Moreover , a positive correlation between the change in zinc concentration in serum and the change in insulin sensitivity was observed ( R = 0.80 , P < 0.01 ) . In the group of patients treated with l-arginine , a negative correlation between the change in zinc concentration in serum and the change in body fat content was noted ( R = −0.38 , P < 0.05 ) . Conclusions l-Arginine supplementation affects zinc status in obese patients . One beneficial influence is related to the improvements in insulin sensitivity Fifty-four entire male pigs ( Duroc × Pietrain × Large White × L and race ) from a commercial crossbred operation were used to investigate the effect of dietary Arg supplementation , protein reduction ( PR ) , and Leu supplementation on performance , carcass traits , and meat quality . Pigs weighing 58.9 ± 1.6 kg BW were r and omly assigned to 1 of 6 treatments ( n = 9 ) . The 6 dietary treatments were normal CP diet ( 16 % CP , NPD ) , reduced CP diet ( 13 % CP , RPD ) , reduced CP diet with Leu addition to 2.0 % ( RPDL ) , normal CP diet supplemented with 1 % Arg ( 16 % CP , Arg-NPD ) , reduced CP diet supplemented with 1 % Arg ( 13 % CP , Arg-RPD ) , and reduced CP diet with Leu addition to 2.0 % and supplemented with 1 % Arg ( 13 % CP , Arg-RPDL ) . Pigs were slaughtered at 91.7 ± 1.6 kg BW . Dietary Arg supplementation had no effect on intramuscular fat ( IMF ) content but produced meat off-flavor and increased meat tenderness and overall acceptability . The PR increased ( P < 0.001 ) IMF content ( 45 % to 48 % ) but negatively affected the growth performance of pigs . In addition , PR increased ( P < 0.05 ) back fat thickness and decreased loin weight . Leucine addition did not affect IMF content , back fat thickness , or loin weight . There was an increase of juiciness with PR and Leu addition , which accompanied the increase of IMF content with the low-CP diet . The PR increased meat deposition of 18:1c9 , SFA , MUFA , and PUFA , which were not correlated with any pork sensory trait . The main combined effect of Arg was an increased tenderness and overall acceptability of pork . In conclusion , it was confirmed that dietary CP reduction enhances pork eating quality but negatively affects growth performance and carcass characteristics of pigs In hypercholesterolemic rabbits , oral L-arginine ( the substrate for endothelium derived nitric oxide ) attenuates endothelial dysfunction and atheroma formation , but the effect in hypercholesterolemic humans is unknown . Using high resolution external ultrasound , we studied arterial physiology in 27 hypercholesterolemic subjects aged 29+/-5 ( 19 - 40 ) years , with known endothelial dysfunction and LDL-cholesterol levels of 238+/-43 mg/dl . Each subject was studied before and after 4 wk of L-arginine ( 7 grams x 3/day ) or placebo powder , with 4 wk washout , in a r and omized double-blind crossover study . Brachial artery diameter was measured at rest , during increased flow ( causing endothelium-dependent dilation , EDD ) and after sublingual glyceryl trinitrate ( causing endothelium-independent dilation ) . After oral L-arginine , plasma L-arginine levels rose from 115+/-103 to 231+/-125 micromol/liter ( P<0.001 ) , and EDD improved from 1.7+/-1.3 to 5.6+/-3.0 % ( P<0.001 ) . In contrast there was no significant change in response to glyceryl trinitrate . After placebo there were no changes in endothelium-dependent or independent vascular responses . Lipid levels were unchanged after L-arginine and placebo . Dietary supplementation with L-arginine significantly improves EDD in hypercholesterolemic young adults , and this may impact favorably on the atherogenic process BACKGROUND Oral amino acid intake reduces plasma glucose in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats . This study examined the effect of oral amino acid supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( DM ) . MATERIAL / METHODS A double blind pilot clinical trial was conducted for a period of 2 months on 77 subjects with type 2 DM . Subjects of both sexes , ages 30 - 60 , were included in the trial . All were receiving oral antidiabetic tablets . They were divided into groups on the basis of oral supplementation : ( A ) lysine , ( B ) essential amino acids , ( C ) amino acids and vitamins ( fat and water-soluble ) , and ( D ) calcium phosphate ( control ) . The subjects were periodically examined for fasting and post-pr and ial plasma glucose , fasting and post-pr and ial immunoreactive insulin , plasma amino acids , glycosylated haemoglobin ( HbA1c ) , proteins and albumin in serum , urea and creatinine in plasma and sugar , and proteins and ketones in urine . RESULTS The results revealed a significant decrease in PP plasma glucose ( P<0.05 ) in 
    Output:
    