Asymmetric dimethylarginine, homocysteine and renal function--is there a relation?

The adverse effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on the vascular wall can be partially explained by increasing plasma concentration of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a potent inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. The aim of the study was to compare ADMA and homocysteine levels in three groups of subjects: blood donors with normal homocysteine concentration (group A), patients with hyperhomocysteinemia and normal kidney function (group B) and hemodialysis patients who are known to be hyperhomocysteinemic (group C). Concentrations of homocysteine (enzymatic method), ADMA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) and creatinine (Jaffe method) in EDTA plasma were measured.