Abstract
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous and competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. Plasma levels of this inhibitor are elevated in patients with atherosclerosis and in those with risk factors for atherosclerosis. In these patients, plasma ADMA levels are correlated with the severity of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. By inhibiting the production of nitric oxide, ADMA may impair blood flow, accelerate atherogenesis, and interfere with angiogenesis. ADMA may be a novel risk factor for vascular disease.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Amidohydrolases*
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Arginine / analogs & derivatives
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Arginine / metabolism*
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Arteriosclerosis / blood
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Arteriosclerosis / enzymology
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Arteriosclerosis / etiology*
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Endothelium, Vascular / enzymology
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Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism*
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Homeostasis
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Humans
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Hydrolases / metabolism
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Neovascularization, Physiologic / drug effects
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Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase / antagonists & inhibitors
Substances
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Nitric Oxide
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symmetric dimethylarginine
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Arginine
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Nitric Oxide Synthase
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Hydrolases
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Amidohydrolases
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dimethylargininase