CASE PRESENTATION
WebLog J Amino Acids., Published on : 07 Jul 2025
Volume - 1: 2025 https://weblogoa.com/articles/wjaa.2025.g0701
A Herpesvirus Relapse, After a L-arginine Overload as a Possible Trigger, and the Therapeutic Use of Its Antagonist Competitor L-lysine: Brief Review and Case Report
2Invited Professor, Dental Sciences Division, Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic Research Center, Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil
3PostDoc Position, Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Sector, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil
4Researcher Student, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois State, United States
5Full Professor, Department of Biosciences, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil
Abstract
Introduction: Arginine may be associated with the latent herpesvirus reactivation and L-lysine has been shown to inhibit certain viral replication phases by antagonizing arginine.
Case Presentation: Man with latent HHV-1 experienced work-related stress but only after an arginine overloud, an initial recurrent labial herpes was observed. A loading dose of L-lysine was prescribed that day, followed by a maintenance dose for 30 days. Arginine-rich foods and supplements are avoided. By the sixth day, only redness, indicating the final healing stage.
Conclusion: In the presence of stress, it is advisable to avoid arginine consumption, as this may expose the individual to multiple triggers, increasing the likelihood of relapse. In this case, the lysine administration, along with a reduction in arginine intake, proved effective in controlling the episode. Further epidemiological and larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the relationship between latent virus reactivation and arginine overload.
Keywords: L-Arginine; L-Lysine; Herpesvirus; Cold Sores; Viral Diseases
Citation
Pedrazini MC, dos Santos VAB, Pedrazini de Castilho TC, Groppo FC. A Herpesvirus Relapse, After a L-arginine Overload as a Possible Trigger, and the Therapeutic Use of Its Antagonist Competitor L-lysine: Brief Review and Case Report. WebLog J Amino Acids. wjaa.2025.g0701.