As the principal endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase,
ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine), regulates
rates of nitric oxide (NO) formation. Nitric oxide acts as a signal
molecule in the nervous system, as a weapon against infections, as
a regulator of blood pressure, and as a gate keeper of blood flow
to the organs. Elevated ADMA has been associated with various
cardiovascular risk factors, renal failure, and erectile
dysfunction. Factors contributing to elevated ADMA include
increased oxidative challenge and folic acid insufficiency.
Why measure ADMA?
Because independent studies have shown that:
- ADMA is a better predictor of insulin resistance than any other
single marker!
- It is a better predictor of vascular endothelial impairment
than cholesterol!
- Homocysteine increases in proportion to ADMA. The inhibition of
nitric oxide synthesis may explain why homocysteine has been
associated with impaired endothelium mediated, nitric
oxide-dependent vasodilatation.
- An elevated concentration of ADMA is a potential contributory
factor for pre-eclampsia, and is associated with endothelial
dysfunction in some women.
- A glucose-induced impairment causes ADMA accumulation and may
contribute to endothelial vasodilator dysfunction in diabetes
mellitus.
- In the cardiovascular system, decreased NO biosynthesis has the
potential to increase blood pressure, enhance platelet and white
cell adhesiveness, increase vascular smooth muscle growth, alter
mitochondrial oxygen consumption and accelerate the development of
atherosclerotic-like lesions.
- In pre-clinical and clinical studies, ADMA has been found to be
elevated by hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia,
hypertriglyceridemia, or hyperhomocysteinemia.
- ADMA levels are highly correlated with triglyceride
levels.
- ADMA is elevated in peripheral and carotid artery blockage in
proportion to the blockage.
Lower ADMA and restore nitric oxide production
- Antioxidants speed breakdown of ADMA
- Arginine (3-6 grams daily) increases NO production
- "The common mechanism by which folic acid, H4B, vitamin C, w-3
fatty acids, and L-arginine bring about their beneficial actions in
various vascular diseases is by enhancing endothelial nitric oxide
(eNO) production." (Nutrition 2003;19: 686-692.)
The Metametrix ADMA Assay is:
- A unique, independent marker of NO competence
- A cost-effective addition to any cardiovascular risk
assessment
- Included with the Metametrix Metabolic Syndrome Profile
Test name(s)
0014 - ADMA Profile*
Description
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) is the principal endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. Thus, it regulates rates of nitric oxide (NO) formation. Nitric oxide acts as a signal molecule in the nervous system, as a weapon against infections, as a regulator of blood pressure, and as a gate keeper of blood flow to the organs. Elevated ADMA is a risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, renal failure, and erectile dysfunction. Two factors that contribute to elevated ADMA are increased oxidative challenge and folic acid insufficiency.
Method
LC/MS-MS
Turnaround time
7-14 days, 10 days average
Analytes
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA)
Arginine
Arginine/ADMA ratio
*Not available in New York
Specimen Collection Instructions
Patient Briefs
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