Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
07:46
Assessing Endothelial Vasodilator Function with the Endo-PAT 2000
Published on: October 15, 2010
Could ADMA levels in young adults born preterm predict an early endothelial dysfunction?
P P Bassareo1, M Puddu, G Flore
1Department of Cardiovascular and Neurological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy. piercard@inwind.it
International Journal of Cardiology
|March 23, 2011
Summary
Preterm birth and low birth weight may lead to lower asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in young adults. These findings suggest a potential link to early circulatory dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Neonatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Preterm birth and low birth weight are established risk factors for adult cardiovascular diseases.
- Elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels are linked to adverse cardiovascular events and mortality.
- ADMA, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, plays a role in vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ADMA levels in young adults born extremely preterm with low birth weight (ex-ELBW) versus a control group born at term.
- To investigate correlations between ADMA levels in ex-ELBW individuals and clinical parameters.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two ex-ELBW adults (aged 17-29) and 25 healthy term-born adults were studied.
- Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with laser fluorescent detection.
Main Results:
- ADMA levels were significantly reduced in ex-ELBW subjects compared to controls.
- ADMA levels showed an inverse correlation with gestational age and birth weight in the ex-ELBW group.
Conclusions:
- Ex-ELBW individuals exhibit lower ADMA levels, potentially linked to their birth history.
- These findings may indicate early circulatory dysfunction and heightened cardiovascular risk in this population.
