Dimethylarginines as risk markers of atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease in children with nephrotic syndrome.

Background: Nephrotic syndrome in children is commonly associated with dyslipidemia, which is considered a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Recently new markers of endothelial dysfunction, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), have gained importance. Another L-arginine derivative--symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA)--may reflect the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to assess ADMA as a marker of atherosclerosis. Secondly, SDMA was examined for GFR assessment.

Material And Methods: The study involved 32 children with nephrotic syndrome. Several parameters were examined in the remission and relapse phases of nephrotic syndrome, including ADMA, SDMA, cholesterol, triglycerides and GFR.

Results: In the relapse phase there was a negative correlation between ADMA and lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides). In both phases SDMA was negatively correlated with GFR.

Conclusions: The role of ADMA as a marker for endothelial dysfunction is not significant. SDMA may be utilized to monitor GFR in children with nephrotic syndrome.