Levels of asymmetrical dimethylarginine are predictive of brachial artery flow-mediated dilation 6 years later. The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

AimPlasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis and has been observed to associate with endothelial function in cross-section studies. In the present study our aim was to investigate whether plasma ADMA levels are predictive of brachial artery endothelial function in a prospective setting.Methods and resultsUsing ultrasound we measured brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) both in 2001 and 2007 in 1808 healthy subjects aged 24–39 years at baseline. Plasma methylarginines were determined by isocratic high-pressure liquid chromatography in 2001. In a multivariable model adjusted with brachial diameter and conventional cardiovascular risk factors, baseline ADMA levels had a significant inverse association with FMD measured 6 years later (β ± SE: −1.89 ± 0.69%, P = 0.006).ConclusionsWe conclude that plasma ADMA can predict brachial artery FMD in subjects without prevalent atherosclerotic disease. These data suggest that plasma ADMA may have a determinative role in predicting endothelial function.