L-ARGININE SUPPLEMENTATION IMPROVES INSULIN RESISTANCE BY INCREASING THE INSULIN RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN TYPE II DIABETIC RATS

Background: L-arginine is a multifactorial compound, indirectly involved in multiple regulatory mechanisms substrate for nitric acid synthesis. It has been documented that it has a beneficial effect on insulin resistance in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and visceral obesity. Experimental and clinical trials have illustrated the undergoing mechanistic pathways either on molecular or biochemical levels. However, the relationship between L-arginine supplementation and insulin receptor expression has not elucidated. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of L-arginine supplementation on insulin receptor expression, insulin resistance and weight gain in high fat diet fed rats. Subjects& Methods: 48 female albinos with visceral obesity were randomly assigned to either receive a high fat diet for 12 weeks or L- arginine with a dose of 5% in food for the last 8 weeks. Two age groups were enrolled ?adult and old?, Biochemical analysis was performed including: the concentration of insulin receptor expression in visceral fat, plasma insulin receptor and fasting blood glucose, the insulin resistance was evaluated according to the homeostasis model assessment- insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) protocol. Results: The concentration of insulin receptors was significantly higher in L-arginine treated group and associated with significant decrease in HOMA_IR and insulin concentration. In addition, the influence of L-arginine is conversely proportional with age. Conclusion: our results supports the hypotheses that dietary L-arginine supplementation results in increase insulin receptors, which could lead to negative feedback on insulin resistance.