Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia associated with endothelial dysfunction and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an analogue of L-arginine, is a naturally occurring product of metabolism found in human circulation. Elevated levels of ADMA inhibit NO synthesis and therefore impair endothelial function. The data of the relationship between ADMA AND TYPE 1 DIABETES are controversial. The aim of the study is to evaluate the circulating level of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (TIDM) and its relation to diabetic vascular complications. Subjects and methods: The study group included 50 children with DM1, aged mean 13.92±3.06 yrs (6-18 yrs), 15 boys and 35 girls, HBA1c mean level 9.35±2.38. The control group consisted of 40 (12 boys and 28 girls) healthy children, aged mean—12.80±3.22 yrs, from 6 to 18 yrs, gender matched, with no family history of type 1diabetes mellitus disease. ADMA level was determined in plasma using ELISA kit. Results: There was a highly signicance results of increase ADMA level in the diabetic patients compared to the control group. There was positive correlation between ADMA levels and duration of diabetes,mean heamoglobin A1C AND MICROALBUMINUREA and carotid intimal thickness and nephropathy… Conclusion: ADMA levels increase in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus specially with diabetic vascular complications.