Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Nitric Oxide Levels in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy

Objective: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a novel marker of endothelial dysfunction. ADMA is an endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. Due to scarcity of studies on the role of ADMA in pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy, it remains to be determined whether blood ADMA and nitric oxide (NO) levels are associated with diabetic neuropathy. In this case control study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum NO and ADMA levels among diabetic neuropathy casesMethods: 48 patients with diabetic neuropathy and 34 healthy subjects were included in the study. All type 2 diabetic patients underwent electrophysiological and neurological examination. NO levels were determined using the Griess method. Serum ADMA levels were determined by using the ELISA method.Results: The serum ADMA levels in diabetic neuropathy patients were found to be statistically significantly lower than those of the control group (p=0.005). However, a statistically significant increase was observed in serum NO levels in patients with diabetic neuropathy compared with those in the control group (p = 0.009). A negative correlation was found between NO levels and ADMA levels (p=0.041, r=-0.23).Discussion: Changes in NO and ADMA levels in the blood of diabetic neuropathy patients may indicate oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. (Arc-hi-ves of Neu-ropsy-chi-atry 2012; 49: 183-187)