Abstract
Background/Aims: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a prognostic factor in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationships among factors influencing the metabolism of ADMA and the CKD progression are not fully understood.
Methods: Serum ADMA, and variables related to the metabolism of ADMA were measured in 181 non-dialysis patients (CKD stages 3-5) and in 46 controls. Patients were assessed at baseline, and 6 and 12 months after the initiation of the study.
Results: Patients had increased baseline ADMA, advanced glycation end products (AGE), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) compared with controls (P 25 mL/min/1.73m(2), with higher ADMA (P=0.02) and higher AOPP (P=0.04) predicted the severest decrease in eGFR per year. Other predictors of progression were higher baseline AGE (P<0.001), proteinuria (P=0.003), hypertension (P=0.01), and higher baseline eGFR (P=0.03).
Conclusion: Elevated ADMA and markers of oxidative stress were strong predictors of progression in patients with eGFR between 25-40 mL/min/1.73m2, i.e. at the borderline of CKD stages 3-4.