Dimethylarginines as risk markers of atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease in children with nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND Nephrotic syndrome in children is commonly associated with dyslipidemia, which is considered a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Recently new markers of endothelial dysfunction, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), have gained importance. Another L-arginine derivative--symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA)--may reflect the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). OBJECTIVES The main aim of this study was to assess ADMA as a marker of atherosclerosis. Secondly, SDMA was examined for GFR assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 32 children with nephrotic syndrome. Several parameters were examined in the remission and relapse phases of nephrotic syndrome, including ADMA, SDMA, cholesterol, triglycerides and GFR. RESULTS In the relapse phase there was a negative correlation between ADMA and lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides). In both phases SDMA was negatively correlated with GFR. CONCLUSIONS The role of ADMA as a marker for endothelial dysfunction is not significant. SDMA may be utilized to monitor GFR in children with nephrotic syndrome.