Asymmetric
dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a naturally occurring component of human blood
plasma. It is formed as a metabolic byproduct of continuous protein turnover in
all cells of the body. More than one decade ago ADMA was first reported to
exert biological effects by inhibiting NO synthesis. Many researchers
today agree that ADMA may play a prominent role in the pathogenesis and in the
progression of cardiovascular diseases - specifically atherosclerosis. There is an increasing body of epidemiological evidence
that
links low testosterone
levels with a profile of increased cardiovascular risks, the metabolic syndrome
and type II diabetes in men. With regard to ADMA, prospective epidemiological
data have shown that even slightly increased blood levels were associated with
an increased risk of coronary events among
nonsmoking men. Testosterone has
recently been showed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease yet the
effects of testosterone on AMDA production are unknown. Men with low testosterone were enrolled in
the study for 22 weeks. There was a significant decline in plasma ADMA values of
approximately 10 % after 24 weeks of T administration of which 22 weeks. The reduction in AMDA
is favorable on endothelial function since even slight changes in ADMA levels
may impact cardiovascular risks in men.
Leifke E, Kinzel M, Tsikas D, Gooren L, Frölich JC, Brabant G. Effects of normalization of plasma
testosterone levels in hypogonadal men on plasma levels and urinary excretion of asymmetric
Research and Review 
