Effects of L-Arginine Supplementation on Leukogram, Inflammatory Bowel Infiltrates and Immunoglobulins with 5-FU Use in Rats.

This study evaluated the effects of L-arginine supplementation on blood parameters, kidney and liver function, immunoglobulins and noninflammatory infiltrates in the small intestines of rats subjected to chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups (8 rats/group): an untreated control group, and test groups receiving one dose of 5-FU (G(5-FU) group), one dose of 5-FU and 295mg L-arginine/day (G(Arg295) group) or one dose of 5-FU and 458mg L-arginine/day (G(Arg458) group). Neutrophil count, platelet count, serum IgA, and fibrinogen levels in G(Arg295) and G(Arg458) remained within normal limits after chemotherapy. In addition, in G(Arg458) the inflammatory bowel infiltrates improved in 57% of the rats, which showed mild inflammation. The results suggest that daily supplementation with 295 or 458mg L-arginine attenuates the side effects of 5-FU, including thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, and modulates IgA production. Supplementation with 458mg of L-arginine/day can also reduce mucositis levels in the small intestine after 5-FU chemotherapy.