Next Article in Journal
Maternal Methyl Donors Supplementation during Lactation Prevents the Hyperhomocysteinemia Induced by a High-Fat-Sucrose Intake by Dams
Next Article in Special Issue
Clinical Evaluation of Extracellular ADMA Concentrations in Human Blood and Adipose Tissue
Previous Article in Journal
Cbl-b Enhances Sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil via EGFR- and Mitochondria-Mediated Pathways in Gastric Cancer Cells
Previous Article in Special Issue
Opposite Associations of Plasma Homoarginine and Ornithine with Arginine in Healthy Children and Adolescents
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Editorial

Biological Functional Relevance of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) in Cardiovascular Disease

1
Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University G. D'Annunzio-Chieti, Chieti 66100, Italy
2
Intensive Cardiology Care Unit, San Camillo de Lellis Hospital, San Severo (FG) 71016, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013, 14(12), 24412-24421; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms141224412
Submission received: 29 October 2013 / Revised: 5 December 2013 / Accepted: 6 December 2013 / Published: 16 December 2013
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ADMA and Nitrergic System)

Abstract

:
There is growing evidence that increased levels of the endogenous NO synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) may contribute to endothelial dysfunction. Studies in animal models as well as in humans have suggested that the increase in ADMA occurs at a time when vascular disease has not yet become clinically evident. ADMA competitively inhibits NO elaboration by displacing l-arginine from NO synthase. In a concentration-dependent manner, it thereby interferes not only with endothelium-dependent, NO-mediated vasodilation, but also with other biological functions exerted by NO. The upshot may be a pro-atherogenic state. Recently, several studies have investigated the effect of various therapeutical interventions on ADMA plasma concentrations.

1. ADMA Metabolism

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and NG-monomethylarginine (NMMA) are endogenous guanidine-substituted analogs of l-Arginine (l-Arg) that inhibit in vivo nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by competing with l-Arg at the active site of NO synthase. Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator that plays a critical role in maintaining vascular homeostasis through its anti-atherogenic and anti-proliferative effects on the vascular wall and its altered biosynthesis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease [1,2]. In addition to blocking NO formation, NMMA and ADMA can uncouple NO synthase leading to the generation of superoxide [3,4]. ADMA is synthesized by proteolysis of post-translationally methylated arginine in proteins [5]. This post-translation modification is done by enzymes called protein-arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) [6]. In mammalian cells, these enzymes have been classified as type I (PRMT 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8) and type II (PRMT 5, 7, and FBXO11): in the first reaction both enzymes catalyze the formation of NMMA from l-Arg, but in the second reaction, type I PRMTs produces ADMA, while type II PRMT produces symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). During protein turnover, methylarginines are released in the cytoplasm. While SDMA is eliminated almost entirely by renal excretion, ADMA is extensively metabolized intracellularly through the activity of enzymes called dimethylarginine dimethylamino hydrolase (DDAH) to citrulline and dimethylamine (DMA), although some ADMA is also excreted by the kidney (Figure 1) [7].
The two identified isoforms of DDAH are encoded by genes located on chromosomes 1 (DDAH-1) and 6 (DDAH-2) and have distinct tissue distributions. DDAH-1 is the predominant isoform in the proximal tubules of the kidney and in the liver. It has been estimated that more than 70% of ADMA is metabolized in these organs which extract ADMA from the circulation. DDAH-2 is the predominant isoform in the vasculature, where it is found in endothelial cells adjacent to the cell membrane as well as in intracellular vesicles and in vascular smooth muscle cells among the myofibrils and the nuclear envelope. In the kidney and liver, a newly recognized elimination pathway for ADMA is transamination to α-keto-d-(N(G),N(G)-dimethylguanidino) valeric acid (DMGV) by the enzyme alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 (AGXT2) [8]. ADMA is both exported from its site of origin and imported from the plasma at distant sites by cationic aminoacid transporters (CATs) in exchange for arginine and other cationic amino acids. CATs are widely distributed on cell membranes either as high-affinity, low-capacity transporters, like CAT-1, which transport ADMA and arginine across cell membranes in blood vessels and the distal nephron of the kidney, or as higher-capacity, lower-affinity transporters, like CAT-2A, which transport these cationic aminoacids across the membranes of liver cells [9]. In most studies, plasma levels of ADMA in humans and rats are in the range of 0.3 to 0.5 μmol/L. Estimates of intracellular ADMA concentrations suggest that ADMA levels in cells are 10 or 20 times higher than in plasma. Erythrocytes play an important role in the storage and generation of endogenous NOS inhibitor [10]. There is fast bidirectional traffic of ADMA across the plasma membrane of the erythrocyte, leading to equilibrium between intra- and extracellular ADMA. Upon lysis of erythrocytes, proteolytic activity leads to a substantial release of free ADMA from methylated proteins [11].

2. ADMA in Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease

Nitric oxide is a free radical produced in mammalian cells constitutively or induced by various cell activators through the oxidation of l-arginine by a family of iso-enzymes known as nitric oxide synthase (NOS): nNOS (neuronal), eNOS (endothelial) and iNOS (inducible) [12,13]. ADMA is an endogenous inhibitor of all three isoforms of NOS. In vitro and in vivo, it has been proved that ADMA can compete with the l-arginine substrate, reducing NO formation, a molecule of particular interest in cardiovascular disease [14,15].
There is indeed strong evidence that NO plays a critical role in pre-atherogenic endothelial dysfunction [16]. Although now undergoing a degree of reappraisal, direct targeting of the NO pathway has proved to be of limited use to date. NO donors can experience substantial adverse effects such as headache along with potential production of free radicals and the development of nitrate tolerance, the precise mechanisms of which remain unclear [17,18]. Conversely, direct inhibition of NO synthesis in vasodilatory septic shock, a condition of pathological NO excess, has shown no survival benefit in randomized trials [19]. Targeting regulators of the NO pathway rather than increasing NO directly has proved to be a successful approach as illustrated by the use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in pulmonary hypertension and erectile dysfunction [20]. This strategy might allow both tissue-specific targeting of pharmacological actions and potential enhancement or inhibition of endogenous homeostatic mechanisms, e.g., acting only where NO synthesis is dysregulated while preserving constitutive NO production. Furthermore, there is evidence that a number of vascular conditions are characterized by aberrant regulation of NO synthesis, suggesting that some of these endogenous control mechanisms might not only provide potential therapeutic targets but also underlie the pathogenesis of chronic cardiovascular diseases [21]. The endogenous methylarginines are candidates as NO pathway regulators in the above respects. There is not only evidence that these molecules modulate NO synthesis in vivo, but also that this pathway has a primary role in the pathogenesis of disease. In addition, a degree of tissue/cell specificity of the enzymes controlling methylarginine levels, along with potential for playing a key homeostatic role in NO synthesis, makes this pathway an attractive target for therapeutic intervention [22,23]. There have been a series of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations designed to characterize the pathological role of the endogenous methylarginines in human health and disease (Table 1).
Specifically, the role of ADMA has been the focus of interest in cardiovascular conditions [34,35]. However, the accumulating evidence suggests that a simplistic strategy targeting circulating ADMA in chronic disease may not be successful. This editorial reviews the biology, summarizes the state of the field, details some of the controversies, and proposes avenues for further study. ADMA has been suggested as a novel independent risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and coronary heart disease. Increased plasma levels of ADMA have been documented in several conditions that are characterized by endothelial dysfunction, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, renal failure and tobacco exposure (Figure 2) [22,29,36].
Plasma ADMA levels are increased in Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) compared to age- and gender-matched controls, and are associated with a reduction in urinary nitrogen oxides [37].
Finally, increased ADMA serum levels are involved in the development of pulmonary vascular disease in scleroderma subjects with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) [38].
There is a strong association between oxidative stress, stimulation of PRMT and inhibition of DDAH, increased endothelial ADMA concentrations and eNOS-mediated superoxide production [25]. It is still unclear whether increased ROS production is responsible for increased ADMA levels or whether increased production of ADMA contributes to oxidative stress. In endothelial cells, during a state of oxidative stress such as is observed after ischemia reperfusion [30] or is induced by high glucose medium [39], there is a reduction of DDAH expression. Increased ADMA concentrations in cultured endothelial cells or in patients with endothelial dysfunction are associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via regulation of the downstream NO signaling pathway [35,40,41]. Several findings suggest that ADMA may contribute to oxidative stress by causing eNOS uncoupling via depletion of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) resulting in a shift from NO production to superoxide production. The PRMT and DDAH activity is redox-sensitive [42,43]. Accumulating evidence has documented that ADMA may induce a vascular inflammation reaction prompting the development of cardiovascular disease by activation of leukocyte adhesion and cytokine production [44]. So ADMA is not only a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction but also a novel pro-inflammatory mediator. Plasma ADMA levels arereported to be elevated in patients with chronic HF, and to correlate significantly with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and exercise capacity [45].
In conclusion, ADMA is not only a marker but also a mediator of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a pivotal role in ADMA pathophysiology by managing PRMT/DDAH expression and NO synthesis and leading to endothelial dysfunction. Thus, ADMA acts as a linker between endothelial dysfunction and inflammation and plays a crucial role in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Acknowledgments

The Italian Ministry for University and Research is acknowledged for financial support.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Naseem, K.M. The role of nitric oxide in cardiovascular diseases. Mol. Aspects Med 2005, 26, 33–65. [Google Scholar]
  2. Napoli, C.; Ignarro, L.J. Nitric oxide and pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of vascular diseases. Arch. Pharm. Res 2009, 32, 1103–1108. [Google Scholar]
  3. Antoniades, C.; Shirodaria, C.; Leeson, P.; Antonopoulos, A.; Warrick, N.; van Assche, T.; Cunnington, C.; Tousoulis, D.; Pillai, P.; Ratnatunga, C.; et al. Association of plasma asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) with elevated vascular superoxide production and endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling: Implications for endothelial function in human atherosclerosis. Eur. Heart J 2009, 30, 1142–1150. [Google Scholar]
  4. Olken, N.M.; Marletta, M.A. NG-methyl-l-arginine functions as an alternate substrate and mechanism-based inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. Biochemistry 1993, 32, 9677–9685. [Google Scholar]
  5. Fickling, S.; Leone, A.; Nussey, S.; Vallance, P.; Whitley, G. Synthesis of NG, NG dimethylarginine by human endothelial cells. Endothelium 1993, 1, 137–140. [Google Scholar]
  6. Bedford, M.T.; Clarke, S.G. Protein arginine methylation in mammals: Who, what, and why. Mol. Cell 2009, 33, 1–13. [Google Scholar]
  7. Palm, F.; Onozato, M.L.; Luo, Z.; Wilcox, C.S. Dimethylargininedimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH): Expression, regulation, and function in the cardiovascular and renal systems. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol 2007, 293, H3227–H3245. [Google Scholar]
  8. Rodionov, R.N.; Murry, D.J.; Vaulman, S.F.; Stevens, J.W.; Lentz, S.R. Human alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 lowers asymmetric dimethylarginine and protects from inhibition of nitric oxide production. J. Biol. Chem 2010, 285, 5385–5391. [Google Scholar]
  9. Closs, E.I.; Boissel, J.P.; Habermeier, A.; Rotmann, A. Structure and function of cationic amino acid transporters (CATs). J. Membr. Biol 2006, 213, 67–77. [Google Scholar]
  10. Davids, M.; van Hell, A.J.; Visser, M.; Nijveldt, R.J.; van Leeuwen, P.A.; Teerlink, T. Role of the human erythrocyte in generation and storage of asymmetric dimethylarginine. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol 2012, 302, H1762–H1770. [Google Scholar]
  11. Billecke, S.S.; Kitzmiller, L.A.; Northrup, J.J.; Whitesall, S.E.; Kimoto, M.; Hinz, A.V.; D’Alecy, L.G. Contribution of whole blood to the control of plasma asymmetrical dimethylarginine. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol 2006, 291, 1788–1796. [Google Scholar]
  12. Iarlori, C.; Gambi, D.; Lugaresi, A.; Patruno, A.; Felaco, M.; Salvatore, M.; Speranza, L.; Reale, M. Reduction of free radicals in multiple sclerosis: Effect of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). Mult. Scler 2008, 14, 739–748. [Google Scholar]
  13. Felaco, M.; di Maio, F.D.; de Fazio, P.; D’Arcangelo, C.; de Lutiis, M.A.; Varvara, G.; Grilli, A.; Barbacane, R.C.; Reale, M.; Conti, P. Localization of the e-NOS enzyme in endothelial cells and odontoblasts of healthy human dental pulp. Life Sci 2000, 68, 297–306. [Google Scholar]
  14. Franceschelli, S.; Pesce, M.; Vinciguerra, I.; Ferrone, A.; Riccioni, G.; Patruno, A.; Grilli, A.; Felaco, M.; Speranza, L. Licocalchone-C extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra inhibits lipopolysaccharide-interferon-γ inflammation by improving antioxidantconditions and regulating inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Molecules 2011, 16, 5720–5734. [Google Scholar]
  15. Grilli, A.; de Lutiis, M.A.; Patruno, A.; Speranza, L.; Gizzi, F.; Taccardi, A.A.; di Napoli, P.; de Caterina, R.; Conti, P.; Felaco, M. Inducible nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase-1 in rat heart: Direct effect of chronic exposure to hypoxia. Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci 2003, 33, 208–215. [Google Scholar]
  16. Speranza, L.; Franceschelli, S.; Pesce, M.; Ferrone, A.; Patruno, A.; Riccioni, G.; de Lutiis, M.A.; Felaco, M.; Grilli, A. Negative feedback interaction of HO-1/INOS in PBMC of acute congestive heart failure patients. J. Biol. Regul. Homeost. Agents 2013, 27, 739–748. [Google Scholar]
  17. Han, J.; Shuvaev, V.V.; Muzykantov, V.R. Targeted interception of signaling reactive oxygen species in the vascular endothelium. Ther. Deliv 2012, 3, 263–276. [Google Scholar]
  18. Kampoli, A.M.; Tousoulis, D.; Tentolouris, C.; Stefanadis, C. Novel agents targeting nitric oxide. Curr. Vasc. Pharmacol 2012, 10, 61–76. [Google Scholar]
  19. Sharshar, T.; Gray, F.; Lorin de la Grandmaison, G.; Hopkinson, N.S.; Ross, E.; Dorandeu, A.; Orlikowski, D.; Raphael, J.C.; Gajdos, P.; Annane, D. Apoptosis of neurons in cardiovascular autonomic centres triggered by inducible nitric oxide synthase after death from septic shock. Lancet 2003, 362, 1799–1805. [Google Scholar]
  20. Speranza, L.; Franceschelli, S.; Pesce, M.; Vinciguerra, I.; de Lutiis, M.A.; Grilli, A.; Felaco, M.; Patruno, A. Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor and oxidative stress. Int. J. Immunopathol. Pharmacol 2008, 21, 879–889. [Google Scholar]
  21. Caplin, B.; Leiper, J. Endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitors in the biology of disease: Markers, mediators, and regulators? Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol 2012, 32, 1343–1353. [Google Scholar]
  22. Riccioni, G.; Speranza, L.; Scotti, L.; Bucciarelli, V.; di Ilio, E.; D’Orazio, N.; Pesce, M.; Aceto, A.; Sorrenti, V.; Frigiola, A.; et al. The effect of pharmacological treatment on ADMA in patients with heart failure. Front. Biosci. (Elite Ed.) 2011, 3, 1310–1314. [Google Scholar]
  23. Ueda, S.; Yamagishi, S.; Matsumoto, Y.; Fukami, K.; Okuda, S. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a novel emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the development of renal injury in chronic kidney disease. Clin. Exp. Nephrol 2007, 11, 115–121. [Google Scholar]
  24. Galal, O.; Podlogar, J.; Verspohl, E.J. Impact of ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine) on physiology with respect to diabetes mellitus and respiratory system BEAS-2B cells (human bronchial epithelial cells). J. Pharm. Pharmacol 2013, 65, 253–263. [Google Scholar]
  25. Ghebremariam, Y.T.; Erlanson, D.A.; Cooke, J.P. A novel and potent inhibitor of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase: A modulator of cardiovascular nitric oxide. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther 2013. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Labruijere, S.; van Houten, E.L.; de Vries, R.; Musterd-Bagghoe, U.M.; Garrelds, I.M.; Kramer, P.; Danser, A.H.; Villalón, C.M.; Visser, J.A.; van den Brink, A.M. Analysis of the vascular responses in a murine model of polycystic ovary syndrome. J. Endocrinol 2013, 218, 205–213. [Google Scholar]
  27. Beutel, G.; Perthel, R.; Suntharalingam, M.; Bode-Böger, S.M.; Martens-Lobenhoffer, J.; Kielstein, J.T.; Kielstein, H. Effect of chronic elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels on granulopoiesis. Ann. Hematol 2013, 92, 505–508. [Google Scholar]
  28. Ghebremariam, Y.T.; Yamada, K.; Lee, J.C.; Johnson, C.L.; Atzler, D.; Anderssohn, M.; Agrawal, R.; Higgins, J.P.; Patterson, A.J.; Böger, R.H.; et al. FXR agonist INT-747 upregulates DDAH expression and enhances insulin sensitivity in high-salt fed Dahl rats. PLoS One 2013, 8, e60653. [Google Scholar]
  29. Li Volti, G.; Salomone, S.; Sorrenti, V.; Mangiameli, A.; Urso, V.; Siarkos, I.; Galvano, F.; Salamone, F. Effect of silibinin on endothelial dysfunction and ADMA levels in obese diabetic mice. Cardiovasc. Diabetol 2011, 10, 62. [Google Scholar]
  30. Li Volti, G.; Sorrenti, V.; Acquaviva, R.; Murabito, P.; Gullo, A.; Barcellona, M.L.; Galvano, F.; Rodella, L.; Rezzani, R.; Vanella, L.; et al. Effect of ischemia-reperfusion on renal expression and activity of N(G)-N(G)-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases. Anesthesiology 2008, 109, 1054–1062. [Google Scholar]
  31. Speranza, L.; Franceschelli, S.; D’Orazio, N.; Gaeta, R.; Bucciarelli, T.; Felaco, M.; Grilli, A.; Riccioni, G. The biological effect of pharmacological treatment on dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAH-1) and cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) expression in patients with acute congestive heart failure. Microvasc. Res 2011, 82, 391–396. [Google Scholar]
  32. Davids, M.; Teerlink, T. Plasma concentrations of arginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine do not reflect their intracellular concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Metabolism 2013, 62, 1455–1461. [Google Scholar]
  33. Haghikia, A.; Podewski, E.; Libhaber, E.; Labidi, S.; Fischer, D.; Roentgen, P.; Tsikas, D.; Jordan, J.; Lichtinghagen, R.; von Kaisenberg, C.S.; et al. Phenotyping and outcome on contemporary management in a German cohort of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy. Basic Res. Cardiol 2013, 108, 366. [Google Scholar]
  34. Riccioni, G.; D’Orazio, N.; Salvatore, C.; Franceschelli, S.; Pesce, M.; Speranza, L. Carotenoids and vitamins C and E in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res 2012, 82, 15–26. [Google Scholar]
  35. Speranza, L.; Pesce, M.; Franceschelli, S.; Bucciarelli, T.; Gallina, S.; Riccioni, G.; Patruno, A.; Felaco, M. The biological evaluation of ADMA/SDMA and eNOS in patients with ACHF. Front. Biosci. (Elite Ed.) 2013, 5, 551–557. [Google Scholar]
  36. Szlachcic, A.; Krzysiek-Maczka, G.; Pajdo, R.; Targosz, A.; Magierowski, M.; Jasnos, K.; Drozdowicz, D.; Kwiecien, S.; Brzozowski, T. The impact of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), the endogenous nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, to the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal damage. Curr. Pharm. Des 2013, 19, 90–97. [Google Scholar]
  37. Sydow, K.; Hornig, B.; Arakawa, N.; Bode-Böger, S.M.; Tsikas, D.; Münzel, T.; Böger, R.H. Endothelial dysfunction in patients with peripheral arterial disease and chronic hyperhomocysteinemia: Potential role of ADMA. Vasc. Med 2004, 9, 93–101. [Google Scholar]
  38. Dimitroulas, T.; Giannakoulas, G.; Sfetsios, T.; Karvounis, H.; Dimitroula, H.; Koliakos, G.; Settas, L. Asymmetrical dimethylarginine in systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension. Rheumatology 2008, 47, 1682–1685. [Google Scholar]
  39. Sorrenti, V.; Mazza, F.; Campisi, A.; Vanella, L.; Li Volti, G.; di Giacomo, C. High glucose-mediated imbalance of nitric oxide synthase and dimethylargininedimethylaminohydrolase expression in endothelial cells. Curr. Neurovasc. Res 2006, 3, 49–54. [Google Scholar]
  40. Mohan, S.; Fung, H.L. Mechanism of cellular oxidation stress induced by asymmetric dimethylarginine. Int. J. Mol. Sci 2012, 13, 7521–7531. [Google Scholar]
  41. Aldámiz-Echevarría, L.; Andrade, F. Asymmetric dimethylarginine, endothelial dysfunction and renal disease. Int. J. Mol. Sci 2012, 13, 11288–11311. [Google Scholar]
  42. Cao, Y.; Mu, J.J.; Fang, Y.; Yuan, Z.Y.; Liu, F.Q. Impact of high salt independent of blood pressure on PRMT/ADMA/DDAH. Pathway in the aorta of dahl salt-sensitive rats. Int. J. Mol. Sci 2013, 14, 8062–8072. [Google Scholar]
  43. Antoniades, C.; Demosthenous, M.; Tousoulis, D.; Antonopoulos, A.S.; Vlachopoulos, C.; Toutouza, M.; Marinou, K.; Bakogiannis, C.; Mavragani, K.; Lazaros, G.; et al. Role of asymmetrical dimethylarginine in inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction in human atherosclerosis. Hypertension 2011, 58, 93–98. [Google Scholar]
  44. Zuccalà, A.; Fiorenza, S.; Rapanà, R.; Santoro, A. Hypertension, atherosclerosis and kidney. G. Ital. Nefrol 2005, 22(Suppl 31), S9–S14. [Google Scholar]
  45. Hsu, C.P.; Lin, S.J.; Chung, M.Y.; Lu, T.M. Asymmetric dimethylarginine predicts clinical outcomes in ischemic chronic heart failure. Atherosclerosis 2012, 225, 504–510. [Google Scholar]
Figure 1. The role of DDAH1 in the metabolism of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) antagonists asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and NG-monomethylarginine (NMMA). PRMTs, protein arginine methyltransferases; SDMA, symmetrical dimethylarginine.
Figure 1. The role of DDAH1 in the metabolism of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) antagonists asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and NG-monomethylarginine (NMMA). PRMTs, protein arginine methyltransferases; SDMA, symmetrical dimethylarginine.
Ijms 14 24412f1
Figure 2. Flow diagram outlining clinical conditions that have been reported to be associated with elevated ADMA concentration, and the interactive roles of ROS and ADMA in relating cardiovascular risk factors to pathophysiological changes in tissues that may underlie cardiovascular disease. ROS, reactive oxygen species; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; VSMC, vascular smooth muscle cell.
Figure 2. Flow diagram outlining clinical conditions that have been reported to be associated with elevated ADMA concentration, and the interactive roles of ROS and ADMA in relating cardiovascular risk factors to pathophysiological changes in tissues that may underlie cardiovascular disease. ROS, reactive oxygen species; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; VSMC, vascular smooth muscle cell.
Ijms 14 24412f2
Table 1. Overview of the in vitro, animal and human studies on ADMA.
Table 1. Overview of the in vitro, animal and human studies on ADMA.
ModelADMA resultsFinal resultAuthor
In vitroINS-1 cells
BEAS-2B cells
In INS-1 cells: (1) ADMA (0.05–32 μM) increased insulin release in vitro, except at a high concentration (32 μM); (2) ADMA stimulated the production of IL-6 and MIP-2. In BEAS-2B cells ADMA did not cause any increase in IL-8 or TNF-α or RANTES secretion.ADMA has a pathophysiological impact leading to a diabetic situation but has no impact on the respiratory system.[24]
Cultured primary human vascular endothelial cells (ECs)PD 404182 significantly increased intracellular levels of ADMA.PD 404182 directly and dose-dependently inhibits DDAH and reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production.[25]
AnimalMouse model of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)DHT (dihydrotestosterone) treatment (compared with placebo) induced no change in plasma ADMA levels.In DHT-exposed mice, hyperandrogenemia specifically decreases endothelium dependent vasorelaxation without deterioration of smooth muscle function.[26]
Male Sprague–Dawley ratsChronic endogenous infusion of ADMA leads to a significant elevation of plasma ADMA levels.Chronic elevated plasma levels of ADMA in healthy rats did not affect the number of peripheral blood cells including leukocyte subset.[27]
Dahl salt-sensitive (SS/JrHsd)Serum ADMA and NO concentration remained unchanged between the baseline and 6-weeks study period in the HS-fed animals despite the treatment group. Both ADMA and NO levels were not favorably affected by treatment with INT-747.High-salt diet downregulated DDAH expression while treatment with INT-747 protected the loss in DDAH expression and enhanced insulin sensitivity compared to vehicle controls.[28]
db/db miceSilibinin administration markedly decreased plasma ADMA; consistently, aorta ADMA was reduced in silibinin-treated animals.Silibinin markedly improves endothelial dysfunction in db/db mice by reducing circulating and vascular ADMA levels.[29]
RatsBoth plasma and renal concentrations of ADMA increased after renal ischemia followed by reperfusion.Ischemia-reperfusion injury leads to reduced DDAH activity and modification of different DDAH isoform expression, thus leading to increased ADMA levels, which may lead to increased cardiovascular risk.[30]
Human studyAcute congestive heart failureADMA and SDMA plasma levels were significantly higher after pharmacological treatment respect to baseline values.In patients with ACHF, acute renal impairment function and the modulation of metabolism and extracellular transport by the DDAH-1/CAT-1 system determine high ADMA and SDMA levels after therapy for acute congestive heart failure.[31]
Healthy humansADMA, SDMA, MMA and arginine levels were significantly higher in PBMC than in plasma, whereas homoarginine levels were not significantly different.In healthy individuals, plasma levels of arginine, MMA, ADMA, and SDMA poorly reflect their intracellular levels in PBMC.[32]
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)ADMA was significantly higher in serum from PPCM patients compared to healthy postpartum women.Increased levels of Cathepsin D activity, miR-146a and ADMA in serum of PPCM patients support the pathophysiological role of 16 kDa Prolactin for PPCM and may be used as a specific diagnostic marker profile.[33]

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Franceschelli, S.; Ferrone, A.; Pesce, M.; Riccioni, G.; Speranza, L. Biological Functional Relevance of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) in Cardiovascular Disease. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013, 14, 24412-24421. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms141224412

AMA Style

Franceschelli S, Ferrone A, Pesce M, Riccioni G, Speranza L. Biological Functional Relevance of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) in Cardiovascular Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2013; 14(12):24412-24421. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms141224412

Chicago/Turabian Style

Franceschelli, Sara, Alessio Ferrone, Mirko Pesce, Graziano Riccioni, and Lorenza Speranza. 2013. "Biological Functional Relevance of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) in Cardiovascular Disease" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 14, no. 12: 24412-24421. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms141224412

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop