Urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in patients with type 2 diabetes

Endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in sickle cell disease: is there a role for ADMA and PAI-1?

Within the spectrum of sickle cell disease (SCD) are sickle cell anemia (SCA), presence of hemoglobin SS (HbSS), hemoglobin SC disease (HbSC), and sickle cell β-thalassemia (Sβ-thal). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) competitively inhibits the binding of arginine to NOS, reducing NO production. In patients with HbSS, increased levels of ADMA have been reported, as well as changes in many hemostatic biomarkers, including the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). We hypothesized that high levels of ADMA and PAI-1 may be associated with more severe SCD. Thus, ADMA and PAI-1 levels were determined in 78 individuals including 38 adult patients with SCD and 40 control subjects. Higher levels of ADMA were shown in HbSS and Sβ-thal patients compared to controls. Concerning PAI-1, all patients showed high levels of PAI-1 compared to controls. As a role of NO in the pathogenesis of SCD has already been established, we concluded that high levels of ADMA should compromise, at least in part, NO synthesis, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Elevated plasma levels of PAI-1 in all patients may indicate not only endothelial dysfunction but also a hypofibrinolytic state favoring thrombotic complications. Finally, high levels of ADMA and PAI-1 may be associated with more severe SCD.

The Mechanisms of L-Arginine Metabolism Disorder in Endothelial Cells

L-arginine is a key metabolite for nitric oxide production by endothelial cells, as well as signaling molecule of the mTOR signaling pathway. mTOR supports endothelial cells homeostasis and regulates activity of L-arginine-metabolizing enzymes, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and arginase II. Disruption of the L-arginine metabolism in endothelial cells leads to the development of endothelial dysfunction. Conflicting results of the use of L-arginine supplement to improve endothelial function reveals a controversial role of the amino acid in the endothelial cell biology. The review is aimed at analysis of the current data on the role of L-arginine metabolism in the development of endothelial dysfunction.

Atherogenic Index of Plasma: Novel Predictive Biomarker for Cardiovascular Illnesses

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most important cause of mortality globally. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization have declared that a precise and quick recognition of susceptible individuals to develop CVD is imperative to combat those illnesses. Additionally, developing countries need affordable alternatives to effectively prognosticate cardiovascular events. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess well-established clinical prognostic markers in Mexican women to identify affordable, specific, and useful tools to predict cardiovascular events.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed including 340 healthy women. Anthropometric and clinical measurements were acquired from all enrolled individuals. Also, a blood sample of each participant women was obtained to complete biochemical analyses (triglycerides, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol), and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and adipocyte-fatty acid binding protein (FABP4) determinations. Finally, with anthropometric, clinical and biochemical determinations, atherogenic indices (Framingham risk score, Castelli's risk index, and atherogenic index of plasma) were estimated.

RESULTS

A mean value of 6.5 ± 7.2 was detected for the Framingham risk score, 3.7 ± 1.3 for Castelli's risk index, and 0.12 ± 0.22 for the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). Circulating mean ADMA and FABP4 levels found in assessed women were 0.68 ± 0.34 mmol/L and 20.3 ± 16.6 ng/mL, respectively. Furthermore, strong positive relationships (p <0.05) between AIP and serum FABP4 and ADMA concentrations were detected after adjustment by traditional CVD risk factors.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, AIP could be recommended as a potential biomarker in the early diagnosis of CVD events in developing countries.