Effects of glutamine supplementation on circulating lymphocytes after bone marrow transplantation: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT Glutamine (Gin) is an important nutrient substrate for lymphocytes and macrophages in vitro. This pilot study evaluated effects of Gin supplementation on circulating lymphocytes and lymphocyte subsets after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Adult patients received either parenteral nutrition supplemented by L-Gln (Gln-PN) or standard Gin-free PN after BMT. Leukocyte and total lymphocyte counts were determined during hospitalization, and flow cytometry studies of peripheral mononuclear cells were performed 1 to 2 weeks after hospital discharge. The Gln-PN group demonstrated a higher percentage of blood lymphocytes during hospitalization. At flow cytometry, patients who received Gln-PN had an increased total lymphocyte count (332 ± 50 versus 590 ± 71 cells//tL, P = 0.010); greater numbers of total T lymphocytes (54 ± 19 versus 229 ± 70 cells/jxL, P = 0.030); and higher CD4+ and CD8+ T-lym- phocyte counts in peripheral blood compared with controls. Gln-PN may support lympho-cyte recovery after BMT.