The role of asymmetric dimethylarginine in endothelial dysfunction and abnormal nitric oxide metabolism in systemic sclerosis: results from a pilot study.

Introduction/objectives: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by generalized vasculopathy affecting mainly small vessels while macrovascular involvement is less investigated. The aim of this study was to examine associations between asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) - a biomarker of atherosclerosis - and assessments of macrovascular endothelial function in patients with SSc.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including consecutive SSc patients attending the Scleroderma Outpatient Clinic.