Relationship Between Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) and Atherosclerosis in Chronic Renal Failure Patients

Abstract

Background: Serum ADMA level was high in hemodialysis patients as compared to healthy control population. Increase in ADMA levels may play a role in atherosclerosis dependent morbidity and mortality. Objective: Assessment of the relationship between serum ADMA and atherosclerosis. Patient and methods: Serum ADMA was measured using ADMA ELISA Kit; atherosclerosis was assessed by non- invasive methods including FMD and CIMT in 3 groups (50 ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis, 25 CKD patients stage IV and 25 healthy control subjects). Results: CKD and ESRD patients on regular haemodialysis have significantly greater ADMA, CIMT and lesser FMD than do control subjects with normal renal function. Both groups of patients have higher cholesterol and triglycerides levels than do control subjects which could be related to serum ADMA. Serum albumin was reduced in haemodialysis and CKD patients; it has an inverse correlation with serum ADMA. Conclusion: Patients of CKD and haemodialysis have earlier endothelial dysfunction than do control group and this explains why they have higher incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Integration of ADMA into currently applied risk scores still needs to be validated.