L-alanyl-glutamine preoperative infusion in patients with critical limb ischemia subjected to distal revascularization reduces tissue damage and protects from oxidative stress.

Background: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most severe form of peripheral vascular disease where there is inadequate blood flow to a limb. Our aim was to examine the effects of preoperative infusion of l-alanyl-glutamine (l-Ala-Gln) during the ischemic period and during the first 30 minutes following blood reflow in patients with CLI who are undergoing distal femoral artery bypass surgery.

Methods: Thirty-two patients with CLI were alternately allocated to group 1 (saline) or group 2 (l-Ala-Gln).