Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Level as an Indicator for Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to make an early diagnosis of endothelial dysfunction, the initial pathology of atherosclerosis in metabolic syndrome (MS) patients, and to investigate the usefulness of serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels as a marker of cardiovascular risk.Methods: Thirty-eight patients (24 women and 14 men) who were diagnosed with MS, according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, were included in the study. Patients with a history of systemic diseases, except components of MS, and smokers were excluded from the study. The control group comprised 25 and 12 healthy women and men, respectively; with similar age profiles. Serum ADMA levels and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) were measured in patients and controls.Results: Lower serum ADMA levels and higher CIMT measurements were observed in the patient group than in the control group (p