N,N-dimethylarginine

N,N-dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a naturally occurring chemical found in the blood that is involved in endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. It is a derivative of the amino acid arginine and is primarily metabolized by the enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH).

Structure and Function

N,N-dimethylarginine is a structural isomer of L-arginine, a common amino acid found in many foods. It is synthesized in the body by the methylation of arginine residues in proteins, followed by proteolysis of these proteins.

ADMA is considered a methylarginine, along with L-NMMA (NG-monomethyl-L-arginine) and SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine). These compounds are capable of inhibiting nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which is responsible for the production of nitric oxide (NO), a key regulator of vasodilation and blood pressure.

Role in Disease

Elevated levels of ADMA in the blood have been associated with various forms of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. It is thought to contribute to these conditions by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide, leading to endothelial dysfunction and increased vascular resistance.

In addition to its role in cardiovascular disease, ADMA has also been implicated in other conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Measurement and Clinical Significance

Measurement of ADMA levels in the blood can be used as a marker for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk. Several methods are available for the measurement of ADMA, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry.

See Also

• Arginine
• Nitric oxide synthase
• Cardiovascular disease