Asymmetric Dimethyl Arginine Level as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor in Patients with Hyperthyroidism

Abstract

Introduction. Thyroid diseases may cause endothelial dysfunction. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in patients with thyroid dysfunction were analyzed by few studies.Aim.We aimed to compare ADMA levels in patients with hyperthyroidism in a cohort free of cardiovascular risk associates such as diabetes or chronic renal failure with further comparison with healthy control subjects.Materials and methods. The study took place in Duzce University Medical Faculty, Cardiology and Internal Medicine Department during the year 2010. The study group consisted of patients with hyperthyroidism (overt and subclinical). The patients with renal failure, diabetes and severe hypertension were excluded.Results. Mean ADMA level was 1.04 ± 0.43 µmol/L in the hyperthyroid group and 0.68 ± 0.21 µmol/L in the control group (p≤0.001). The comparison of patients with hyperthyroidism according to the etiology (three groups as Graves', multinodular goiter and thyroiditis) did not show any significant difference.Conclusion. Asymmetric dimethylarginine increases in patients with hyperthyroidism regardless of the etiology. The increase of ADMA levels is independent of known major cardiovascular risk factors. It may reflect the possible counteraction of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in hyperthyroidism beyond the known cardiovascular risk factors.

Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels in Allergic Rhinitis and Nasal Polyposis

“…The relationship between the increase in ADMA levels and endothelial dysfunction has been established clearly. ADMA level has also been found to be influential in diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, metabolic syndrome, and Behçet's disease (14)(15)(16).…”