Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Patients with Ascending Aortic Aneurysms.

Background: Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (aTAA) is a heterogeneous group of disorders that involve impaired endothelial function. The nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) serves as an endothelial dysfunction marker. Thus, we investigated ADMA levels in patients with aTAA.

Homocysteinylation score of high-molecular weight plasma proteins.

Ultrafiltration rates (filterability) of protein-bound homocysteine (Hcy), unlike glutathione (Glt), are significantly decreased in patients with cardiovascular disorders, end-stage renal disease, and prothrombotic conditions. Reduced filterability of Hcy through 300,000 MWCO PES membranes in these groups of patients was observed, regardless of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) degree. Filterability of Hcy, but not of glutathione, was impaired in plasma preparations.