ROLE OF L-ARGININE IN TREATMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS

SummaryArginine supplementation is helpful in treatment of osteoporosis.IntroductionNitric oxide (NO) is a short-lived free radical involved in several biological processes as a bioregulator and as a second messenger. It inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro and regulates bone remodeling. Zolendronic acid has been established as a treatment for post menopausal osteoporosis. Study was done to compare the efficacy of Nitic oxide donor (L-arginine) with that of Zolendronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis.MethodThe study was not designed to compare these two drugs against a placebo, because the beneficial effects of Zolendronic acid in treatment of osteoporosis are well established. Institutional Review Board approvals were obtained. One hundred patients of osteoporosis having T score of −2.5 or more, were randomised to receive L-arginine) or Zolendronic acid. All patients received 1.0 g of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D supplementation per day. In addition Group I patients received L-arginin...