Interrelationships between glutamine and citrulline metabolism. Issue 1 (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marini, Juan C.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care. Volume 19:Issue 1(2016:Jan.)
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: arginine -- citrulline -- glutamine -- stable isotopes; Diet therapy -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition disorders -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Clinical Medicine -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition Disorders -- Periodicals; Nutritional Support -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000233
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-1950

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: This article analyzes the contribution of glutamine to the synthesis of citrulline and reviews the evidence that glutamine supplementation increases citrulline production. Recent findings: Glutamine supplementation has been proposed in the treatment of critically ill patients; however, a recent large multicenter randomized controlled trial resulted in increased mortality in the glutamine-supplemented group. Within this context, defining the contribution of glutamine to the production of citrulline, and thus to de-novo arginine synthesis, has become a pressing issue. Summary: The beneficial effects of glutamine supplementation may be partially mediated by the effects of glutamine on citrulline synthesis by the gut and the de-novo synthesis of arginine by the kidney and other tissues. Although there is no strong evidence to support that glutamine is a major precursor for citrulline synthesis in humans, glutamine has the potential to increase overall gut function and in this way increase citrulline production.