Arginase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the urea cycle, which is responsible for removing excess nitrogen from the body. It catalyzes the conversion of arginine, an amino acid, into ornithine and urea. This process helps regulate nitrogen levels and is essential for maintaining overall metabolic balance. There are two isoforms of arginase, known as arginase I and arginase II. Arginase I is primarily found in the liver, while arginase II is present in other tissues, including the kidneys and brain. Dysregulation of arginase activity can be linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.