title: A reduction of asymmetric dimethylarginine in renal transplant recipients receiving sirolimus-based regimen.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Sirolimus may be of benefit in terms ofa reduction of cardiovascular disease in renal transplant recipients. The aim of the present study was to investigate cardiovascular risk markers in renal transplant recipients receiving calcineurin inhibitors (CNI-based regimen), as compared to those receiving sirolimus (SRL-based regimen).
  
  
  METHODS
  42 patients were recruited (21 patients for each regimen). Plasma concentrations of cardiovascular risk markers, including asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), nitric oxide (NO), homocysteine (Hcy), and total antioxidant status (TAOS) were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Plasma ADMA concentrations were lower in patients with SRL-based regimen, as compared to those with CNI-based regimen (0.52 ± 0.02 and 0.60 ± 0.02 μmol/L, p = 0.027). There were no statistically significant differences seen in NO, Hcy, and TAOS between the two treatments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As compared to CNI-based regimen, cardiovascular risk marker (ADMA) levels are lower in patients with SRL-based regimen.
authors.forename: Nuttaphat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Namjud
authors.forename: Pajaree
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chariyavilaskul
authors.forename: Nattawut
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Townamchai
authors.forename: Supeecha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wittayalertpanya
mesh_terms: D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D066027:Transplant Recipients
chemical_list: D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; C018524:N,N-dimethylarginine; D001120:Arginine; D020123:Sirolimus