Role of asymmetrical dimethylarginine in the progression of renal disease.

Vasileios Raptis, Stergios Kapoulas, Dimitrios Grekas

Renal Unit, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. vasraptis@gmail.com

Nephrology (Carlton, Vic.) 2013 Jan

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Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tissues and cells that circulates in plasma and is excreted in urine. It inhibits nitric oxide synthases (NOs) and produces considerable cardiovascular biological effects. Several studies have suggested that plasma concentrations of ADMA provide a marker of risk for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. In animal and in population studies ADMA has been associated with progression of CKD. Several mechanisms may be involved in this association, such as compromise of the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier and development of renal fibrosis. This review summarizes the existing literature on the biology and physiology of ADMA focusing on its role in the progression of renal disease. © 2012 The Authors. Nephrology © 2012 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology.

Citation

Vasileios Raptis, Stergios Kapoulas, Dimitrios Grekas. Role of asymmetrical dimethylarginine in the progression of renal disease. Nephrology (Carlton, Vic.). 2013 Jan;18(1):11-21