Asymmetric dimethylarginine is related to the predicted stroke risk in middle-aged Japanese men

Abstract

BackgroundAsymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has recently been investigated as a risk marker for cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. However, whether ADMA levels are related to the risk of stroke in the Japanese general population remains unclear. MethodsWe examined 769 Japanese men (mean age, 47±5years) undergoing health examinations. Each subject's ADMA level and various vascular risk factors were assessed; the predicted 10-year stroke risk was calculated using the point-based prediction model from the Japan Public Health Center Study. ResultsIn a multiple linear regression analysis, age, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and current smoking status were significant independent determinants of ADMA levels. A significant odds ratio (OR) for high predicted stroke risk (10-year risk≥5%)was noted in the highest quartile of ADMA levels (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.002–6.07), compared with the lowest quartile, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. A significant OR for high predicted stroke risk was also found for each standard deviation increment in ADMA level (adjusted OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.10–1.92). ConclusionElevated ADMA levels were significantly associated with an increased predicted stroke risk, suggesting that measuring ADMA levels may be useful for identifying middle-aged Japanese men with a high risk of stroke.