Clinical Trial: Nitric Oxide Flux and Ureagenesis in Argininosuccinate Synthetase Deficiency (ASSD)(Citrullinemia I)

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional




Official Title: RDCRN 5110, Nitric Oxide Flux and Ureagenesis in Argininosuccinate Synthetase Deficiency (ASSD)(Citrullinemia I)(Version 24Feb12, NIH Approved

Brief Summary: The urea cycle consists of a series of chemical reactions through which the body converts toxic waste- nitrogen into a substance called urea that can be disposed of easily. While disposal of nitrogen is the major function of the urea cycle, recent research has shown that some enzymes of the urea cycle are also important for the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is an important chemical that has many functions in the human body including regulation of blood pressure. Through this study, the investigators will study the production of nitric oxide in subjects with citrullinemia type 1 by administering stable isotopes to these subjects. Stable isotopes are harmless compounds that can be used to track and measure the production of specific compounds in the human body. The overall goal of this study is to understand if citrullinemia patients have a deficiency of nitric oxide production. This knowledge may have an impact on the treatment of patients with citrullinemia.