OR042: Effects of Citrulline (CIT) Oral Supplementation During 21 Days on Body Composition in Malnourished Elderly Patients

Citrulline protects human retinal pigment epithelium from hydrogen peroxide and iron/ascorbate induced damages

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the ageing of the retina and in the pathogenesis of retinal diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD). Hydrogen peroxide is a reactive oxygen species generated by the photo‐excited lipofuscin that accumulates during ageing in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and the age‐related accumulation of lipofuscin is associated with ARMD. Iron also accumulates with age in the RPE that may contribute to ARMD as an important source of oxidative stress. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of L‐Citrulline (CIT), a naturally occurring amino acid with known antioxidant properties, on oxidative stressed cultured RPE cells. Human RPE (ARPE‐19) cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or iron/ascorbate (I/A) for 4 h, either in the presence of CIT or after 24 h of pretreatment. Here, we show that supplementation with CIT protects ARPE‐19 cells against H₂O₂ and I/A. CIT improves cell metabolic activity, decreases ROS production, limits lipid peroxidation, reduces cell death and attenuates IL‐8 secretion. Our study evidences that CIT is able to protect human RPE cells from oxidative damage and suggests potential protective effect for the treatment of retinal diseases associated with oxidative stress.

L-Citrulline Supports Vascular and Muscular Benefits of Exercise Training in Older Adults

Age-associated reduction in endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases and sarcopenia. L-Citrulline is a precursor of NO with the ability to improve vascular function and muscle protein synthesis. We hypothesize that vascular and muscular benefits associated with oral L-citrulline supplementation might be augmented by concomitant supplementation with exercise training in older adults.

Hepatic steatosis: a role for citrulline

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The high worldwide prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) makes it a major public health issue. Amino acids offer a promising approach for its prevention, and several experimental studies highlight the nutritional importance of citrulline in this setting. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential interest of citrulline in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current findings shed light on the role of the gut-liver, adipose tissue-liver, and muscle-liver axes in NAFLD progression. Recent experimental studies have produced evidence for a role of citrulline in controlling the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in NAFLD through its action on these three axes. Data are needed to distinguish between direct and indirect effects of citrulline on the liver and between a specific effect and a nitrogen supply-related effect.

SUMMARY

Good level of experimental evidence suggests that citrulline supply may be associated with an attenuation of NAFLD development, but further human studies are now needed to support these findings. This review may help define novel strategies to control fatty liver diseases.