ADMA/SDMA in Elderly Subjects with Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis: Values and Site-Specific Association

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Graziano Riccioni⁴  Luca Scotti³  Nicolantonio D’Orazio³  Sabina Gallina¹  Giuseppe Speziale⁵  Lorenza Speranza² 

[1] Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University G. D’Annunzio, 61013 Chieti, Italy; E-Mail:;Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University G. D’Annunzio, 66013 Chieti, Italy; E-Mail:;Department of Experimental and Clinical Science, University G. D’Annunzio, 61013 Chieti, Italy; E-Mails:;Cardiology Unit, San Camillo de Lellis, “San Camillo De Lellis”, Manfredonia, 71043 Foggia, Italy;Cardiac Surgery Unit, Anthea Hospital, GVM Care & Research, 71024 Bari, Italy; E-Mail:

关键词: atherosclerosis;    endothelium;    carotid arteries;    ADMA;    carotid intima-media thickness;    plaque;    elderly;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms15046391

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor known as a mediator of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Circulating ADMA levels are correlated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinemia, age and smoking. We assessed the relationship between ADMA values and site-specific association of asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque) in elderly subjects. One hundred and eighty subjects underwent a complete history and physical examination, determination of serum chemistries and ADMA levels, and carotid ultrasound investigation (CUI). All subjects had no acute or chronic symptoms of carotid atherosclerosis. Statistical analyses showed that high plasma levels of ADMA/SDMA were positively correlated to carotid atherosclerosis (CIMT and plaque) (p < 0.001), with significant site-specific association. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and C-reactive protein plasma concentrations were significantly associated with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (p < 0.001). High serum concentrations of ADMA and SDMA were associated with carotid atherosclerotic lesions as measured by CIMT ad plaque and may represent a new marker of asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis in elderly subjects.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland