Are arginine and glutamate a dynamic duo?

See my post entitled "Do L-arginine supplements reduce Crohn's symptoms?" for specific benefits of L-arginine supplementation

See my post entitled "Do L-glutamine supplements reduce Crohn's symptoms?" for specific benefits of L-gluatmine supplementation.

"Uncoupling gene–diet interactions in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)" in Genes Nutr (2007)
"The amino acids arginine and glutamine are considered non-essential amino acids, but may be depleted during an immune response. Arginine is the sole substrate for nitric oxide synthase, necessary for the synthesis of nitric oxide that is secreted by macrophages to kill pathogens. Glutamine is a specific fuel for the proliferation of lymphocytes. Many sulphur amino acids act as substrates for acute phase protein and immunoglobulin synthesis, and the intake of these molecules is particularly important for glutathione production. An insufficient intake of sulphur amino acids will both exert a pro-inflammatory influence, and reduce the efficiency of the specific immune response."

"Combined Glutamine and Arginine Decrease Proinflammatory Cytokine Production by Biopsies from Crohn's Patients in Association with Changes in Nuclear Factor-κB and p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways" in American Society for Nutrition (2008)
" Arghigh/Glnhighdecreased the production of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-6 (each P < 0.01). ... Combined pharmacological doses of Arg and Gln decreased TNFα and the main proinflammatory cytokines release in active colonic CD biopsies via NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways. These results could be the basis of prospective studies evaluating the effects of enteral supply of combined Arg and Gln during active CD."

"Combined infusion of glutamine and arginine: does it make sense?" in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care (2010)
"Recent findings: In addition to its role as a fuel, glutamine regulates gut barrier function, immuno-inflammatory response and antioxidant status. Arginine metabolism leads to nitric oxide and/or polyamines and thus modulates the immuno-inflammatory response and wound healing. Glutamine and arginine metabolism are closely related, and therefore may give additive or antagonist effects on several pathways. The effects of combined arginine and glutamine are still poorly documented. Combined administration of arginine and glutamine resulted in additive or synergistic effects on gut barrier function and inflammatory response but arginine reduced glutamine protection against oxidative stress. Preliminary data indicate that the combination may be beneficial during intestinal inflammation, whereas data in surgical or critically ill patients are still lacking.
Summary: Mostly speculative effects of combined infusion of arginine and glutamine are discussed. Future studies are needed in specific pathophysiological conditions to assess whether this combination is beneficial or detrimental."

"Potential for amino acid supplementation during Inflammatory Bowel Diseases" in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (2010)

"Experimental data evaluating pharmaconutrition with amino acids such as glutamine and arginine in colitis models are promising but further studies are required to evaluate the clinical effects of these amino acids. While modern therapies have improved efficacy, they are expensive and have some side effects. In contrast, amino acid supplementation would have a lower cost, but current clinical data do not support the use of amino acid supplementation in IBD. Future directions of research should be 1) to evaluate the combination of amino acids and to understand how they work; 2) to develop drug delivery and targeting issues to achieve adequate concentrations at the site of inflammation; 3) to study dose response and toxicity; and 4) to address the concept of combined treatment associating nutrient and drug."

"Glutamine and Whey Protein Improve Intestinal Permeability and Morphology in Patients with Crohn's Disease:  A Randomized Controlled Trial" in Digestive Diseases and Sciences (2012)

"Intestinal permeability and morphology improved significantly in both glutamine and ACG."