A Reduction of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Renal Transplant Recipients Receiving Sirolimus-Based Regimen
Nuttaphat Namjud MSc*, Pajaree Chariyavilaskul MD, PhD**, Nattawut Townamchai MD***, Supeecha Wittayalertpanya MSc**
Affiliation : * Interdepartmental Program of Pharmacology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand *** Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : Sirolimus may be of benefit in terms of a reduction of cardiovascular disease in renal transplant recipients. The
aim of the present study was to investigate cardiovascular risk markers in renal transplant recipients receiving calcineurin
inhibitors (CNI-based regimen), as compared to those receiving sirolimus (SRL-based regimen).
Material and Method: 42 patients were recruited (21 patients for each regimen). Plasma concentrations of cardiovascular
risk markers, including asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), nitric oxide (NO), homocysteine (Hcy), and total antioxidant
status (TAOS) were measured.
Results : Plasma ADMA concentrations were lower in patients with SRL-based regimen, as compared to those with CNI-
based regimen (0.52+0.02 and 0.60+0.02 μmol/L, p = 0.027). There were no statistically significant differences seen in NO,
Hcy, and TAOS between the two treatments.
Conclusion : As compared to CNI-based regimen, cardiovascular risk marker (ADMA) levels are lower in patients with
SRL-based regimen.
Keywords : Asymmetric dimethylarginine, Nitric oxide, Homocysteine, Total antioxidant status, Sirolimus, Renal transplant
