title: The cardiovascular risk marker asymmetrical dimethylarginine is not affected by venous thromboembolism.
abstract: Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, causes vasoconstriction, impairs cardiac function, and may predict cardiovascular risk. The prognostic value of plasma ADMA concentrations in acute vascular situations may be confounded by concomitant factors such as clot formation. In an effort to address the effect of hemostatic system activation, the authors have measured plasma concentrations of ADMA, its stereoisomer symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA), and L-arginine in 74 patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT was confirmed by sonography or venography in 39 subjects. There was no difference of L-arginine, ADMA, or SDMA (all P > 0.05) between subjects with or without DVT. ADMA correlated with SDMA, L-arginine, and plasma creatinine (all P < 0.05) but not with age, body mass index, D-dimer, thrombus extension, or history of symptoms. Venous thrombembolism does not influence circulating ADMA concentrations. The lack of association between ADMA and DVT argues against a contribution of endogenous NO synthase inhibition in hemostatic systemic activation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Dominik G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Haider
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bucek
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reiter
authors.forename: Erich
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Minar
authors.forename: Gregor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hron
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Kyrle
authors.forename: Friedrich
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mittermayer
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wolzt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C487735:dimethylarginine; C036309:fibrin fragment D; D001120:Arginine