Endothelial progenitor cells and asymmetric dimethylarginine after renal transplantation.

Levels of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) are elevated and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) decreased in patients undergoing renal transplantation (Tx) and may contribute to cardiovascular complications. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that elevated ADMA and decreased EPC can be positively influenced with regular physical exercise early after Tx. Blood samples for analysis of ADMA and EPC were obtained from randomly selected 64 patients after Tx who agreed to participate in a supervised aerobic exercise program for 6 months (group I).

Early exercise training after renal transplantation and asymmetric dimethylarginine: the effect of obesity.

Background/aims: To assess, in a prospective cohort study of 238 renal transplant patients, our hypothesis that elevated ADMA levels may be influenced by physical exercise and obesity.

Methods: Blood samples before and after six months were obtained from 116 transplant patients participating in an aerobic exercise (Group I). A control group consisted of 122 matched transplant patients who did not exercise regularly (Group II).