Could a common amino acid prove to be a potential therapeutic agent for the reduction of arthritis and bone loss?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects millions of people worldwide, causing joint pain and bone loss due to the excessive activity of bone-resorbing cells, known as osteoclasts. The latest research findings indicate that L-arginine, a common amino acid, may play a pivotal role in the inhibition of this destructive process. It was discovered that L-arginine has the capacity to „reprogram“ osteoclasts, effecting a transition in their energy production from a process that is conducive to bone loss to one that is inhibitory. By modifying the cells‘ metabolism, L-arginine effectively reduces osteoclast formation and activity, resulting in reduced bone erosion. This discovery provides a potential avenue for developing new treatments for RA that utilise the properties of this amino acid to protect our bones. Could L-arginine supplements become a simple and effective strategy to combat arthritis and preserve bone health? Our findings suggest that this is a possibility that warrants further investigation.
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https://doi.org/10.1136/ard-2022-223626
