Vitamin C augments the renal response to L-arginine in smokers

Schneider, M.P., Klingbeil, A.U., Delles, C. , Schmidt, B.M.W., John, S. and Schmieder, R.E. (2003) Vitamin C augments the renal response to L-arginine in smokers. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 18(8), pp. 1512-1517. (doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfg195)

Abstract

<p>Background: In the coronary and the forearm circulations, endothelium-dependent vasomotion is impaired in smokers, but can be augmented by l-arginine or vitamin C. We examined whether smoking similarly affects the renal circulation.</p> <p>Methods: In 20 smokers (age 26 ± 4 years) and in 20 non-smokers (age 28 ± 3 years) changes of renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood pressure and heart rate in response to the subsequent intravenous infusions of NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA), l-arginine and l-arginine plus vitamin C were studied by use of a constant infusion input clearance technique.</p> <p>Results: Systemic haemodynamic parameters did not differ between smokers and non-smokers during each experimental phase. At baseline, RPF and GFR were similar between the groups. The infusion of L-NMMA led to a similar decrease of RPF, while GFR did not change in either group. During the infusion of l-arginine RPF increased similarly. Finally, the co-infusion of l-arginine plus vitamin C led to a significantly greater increase of RPF (+277 ± 395 vs +79 ± 76 ml/min, P = 0.03) and GFR (+12.1 ± 10.6 vs +3.4 ± 11.2 ml/min, P = 0.02) in smokers as compared to non-smokers.</p> <p>Conclusions: L-NMMA-induced vasoconstriction of the renal vasculature was similar in smokers compared to non-smokers. l-arginine alone induced a similar increase of RPF. The co-infusion of vitamin C and l-arginine led to a greater increase of RPF and GFR in smokers. This might suggest that oxidative stress is increased in the renal vasculature of smokers.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Schneider, Dr Markus and Delles, Professor Christian
• Authors: Schneider, M.P., Klingbeil, A.U., Delles, C., Schmidt, B.M.W., John, S., and Schmieder, R.E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0931-0509
• ISSN (Online): 1460-2385
• Published Online: 01 August 2003