Goel Sc’s research while affiliated with Indian Institute of Technology BHU and other places

AIM: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue. Today, an increasing number of medications are available in order to treat osteoporosis and reduce fracture risks. However, these agents are expensive and have adverse effects, such as upper gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration, constipation, enhanced arterial and venous thrombosis, etc. The aim of the present study is to study the role of L arginine in the treatment of osteoporosis. METHOD: A Total of 180 osteoporotic female with DEXA T-score 20ng/mL were selected and divided in to two study groups, 90 patients in each group. Study group A was given the test drug L-rginine 2 g, along with vitamin D 600 IU and calcium 500 mg as supplements similarly group B was given the comparative drugs Zoledronic acid in the dosage of 5 mg iv stat over 15 min once a year, along with vitamin D 600 IU and calcium 500 mg as supplements. The average BMD in group A before starting the treatment was compared with BMD 2 yrs after treatment, similarly in group B BMD before starting the treatment was compared with BMD 2 yrs after treatment and percentage increase was calculated. Finally the percentage increased in group A was compared with the respective of the group B and the result was analysed. RESULT: On comparing our test drug combined with L-arginine with the standard drug zoledronic acid IV infusion, we found that there is no difference in increase in BMD in the two groups. The drug combined with L-arginine is as good as inj. zoledronic acid in the treatment of osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: The Zoledronic acid iv infusion and L-arginine both increase the bone mineral density of the LS spine and both are equivalent in efficacy and both can be conveniently be used in the treatment of osteoporosis in the peri and post menopausal osteoporotic females.