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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
ADMA Assay - Plasma
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