OBJECTIVE Asymmetric dimethylarginine is an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthesis that may mediate cardiovascular disease. Alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase-2 (AGXT2) has been proposed to degrade asymmetric dimethylarginine. We investigated the significance of AGXT2 in methylarginine metabolism in vivo and examined the effect of this enzyme on blood pressure. METHODS AND RESULTS In isolated ...

BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency is associated with significant increases in the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors and mortality. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. The current study evaluated the possible relationships among vitamin D status, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. METHODS Plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) were determin...

BACKGROUND Dimethylarginines are inhibitors of NO synthesis and are involved in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. In this study, we ask the question if asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) levels change during fatal and reversible acute rejection, and contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic vasculopathy. METHODS The Dark Agouti to Lewis rat strain co...

OBJECTIVES We sought to determine if a reduction in asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) enhances endothelial regeneration. BACKGROUND Asymmetric dimethylarginine is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Increased plasma levels of ADMA are associated with endothelial vasodilator dysfunction in patients with vascular disease or risk factors. Asymmetric dimethylarginine is elimi...

We therefore hypothesise that a child presenting to general practice promptly after illness onset, with a history of infrequent consulting, may be at increased risk for pneumonia or empyema. This is consistent with common knowledge regarding any illness that needs prompt and decisive action by the GP. However, our findings cannot inform GP decision making because they may be influenced by respo...

AIM To analyze the change of dimethylarginine plasma levels in cirrhotic patients receiving transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). METHODS To determine arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and nitric oxide (NO) plasma levels, blood samples were collected from the superior cava, hepatic, and portal vein just before, directly after, and...

OBJECTIVE Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype change is a hallmark of vascular remodeling, which contributes to atherosclerotic diseases and can be regulated via microRNA-dependent mechanisms. We recently identified that asymmetrical dimethylarginine positively correlates to vascular remodeling-based diseases. We hypothesized that asymmetrical dimethylarginine induces smooth muscle cel...