| Learning Objective #1: Characterize the effect of dietary arginine supplementation on in vitro and in vivo measures of immune functions | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Assess the role of nitric oxide in acute and chronic wound healing |
The amino acid arginine enhances immune function and the healing of artificial wounds in healthy adult populations, but few studies have examined its effect among elderly nursing home residents with pressure ulcers. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of arginine supplementation on in vivo and in vitro immune parameters in nursing home elders with pressure ulcers and to examine the role of nitric oxide in arginine-modulated immune function. One mechanism by which arginine modulates immune function is by serving as a substrate for nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide, which is important in bacterial killing, inhibits lymphocyte proliferation and may be responsible for the attenuated proliferation response observed in our preliminary studies in the nursing home residents with pressure ulcers who received 8.5 or 17 g of supplemental arginine per day. Method: Nursing home residents (> 65 years of age) with one or more pressure ulcers will be randomized to one of two groups (n=15 per group). One group will receive 8.5 g of supplemental arginine and the other group will receive an isonitrogenous amount of a standard protein powder mixed in cherry syrup for 4 weeks. Immune function will be measured by assessing mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation, delayed type hypersensitivity, and incidence of infection prior to supplementation (baseline), 4 weeks post supplementation and after a washout period (10 weeks post-supplementation). Nitric oxide production will be measured in the presence and absence of a nitric oxide inhibitor in stimulated lymphocyte cultures. Nutritional status will also be assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 10. Findings: Study to be completed Spring, 2003. Discussion: This research will contribute to an understanding of the role of nutritional supplementation in preventing or treating pressure ulcers in elderly populations.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003