Relationship of Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels with Inflammation and Cardiac Functions in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVE: Most deaths in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are attributable to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The relationship between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and CVD has been investigated. We aimed to search the relationship between serum ADMA, atherosclerosis, inflammation and cardiac functions in ADPKD.

MATERIAL and METHODS: Fifty-seven ADPKD patients and 23 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and echocardiographic measurements were performed. ADMA, inflammatory markers, Neutrophil Count/Lymphocyte Count (NLR), echocardiographic findings and CIMT values were compared between the groups. Correlation analyses were performed.

RESULTS: ADMA levels were lower in patients compared to controls [10106 ng/L (2010-60000) vs. 20161 ng/L (2902-60000), p=0.006]. CIMT was 0.67±0.03 mm in the patient group and 0.62±0.03 mm in the control group (p>0.05). In the patient group, left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left atrial diameter (LAD) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) values were higher (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.01). NLR was 2.0 (0.96-13) in the patient group and 1.6 (0.81-6.06) in the control group (p<0.01). Serum ADMA levels were negatively correlated with CIMT and LAD (p<0.05, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Serum ADMA levels were found to be low in ADPKD patients. Additional studies are needed to determine the possible affect of ADMA on atherosclerosis and inflammation in early stage of ADPKD.