Candice D. Fike, Frederick E. Barr, Judy L. Aschner
University of Utah Health. Diversified Search Group. Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
United States
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals 2026; 19:
DOI: 10.3390/ph19060896
Abstract
Infants and children suffering from a variety of heart, lung, and blood disorders are known to be at risk of developing systemic or pulmonary vascular disease. Despite progress made in clinical care, these patients continue to experience high morbidity and mortality. There is evidence that an impairment in the L-arginine-NO signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of many of the vascular disorders afflicting children. By boosting NO production, L-citrulline, the amino acid precursor of the NO substrate L-arginine, has the potential to ameliorate vascular diseases in both the systemic and pulmonary circulations. This review will discuss the current status of the use of L-citrulline as a treatment to improve outcomes in pediatric patients suffering from disorders that place them at risk of developing systemic or pulmonary vascular disease. Future directions and the potential therapeutic use of L-citrulline in vascular diseases not yet under clinical investigation will also be discussed.
Category
Medical Therapy. Efficacy or Lack of Efficacy
Medical Therapy. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacology
Review Articles Concerning Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes