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Commentary - Hematology and Blood Disorders (2020) Volume 3, Issue 1
Reduction of frequency of pain in clinical trial with association of arginine and hydroxyurea in sickle cell anemia's patients in Brazil
Arginine is a substrate for NO production, which is a cofactor of the enzyme guanylate cyclase (GC), responsible for the reaction that makes the conversion of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) into cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP), causing relaxation of smooth muscles and vascular and, consequently, vasodilation. This would be the mechanism that can assist in the adjuvant activity of arginine in the treatment of patients with SCA who use hydroxyurea, since, with the increased bioavailability of circulating arginine, which is found in a reduced form in SCA patients, there is the possibility of supplying the demand for the NO formation reaction, and also the formation of cGMP, thus improving microcirculation due to vasodilation. Thus, there would be a reduction in pain, facilitate circulation and avoid more important complications, such as stroke and leg ulcers that are difficult to treat, and which can be a gateway for important infections
Author(s): Renata Eleutério