The relationship between plasma asymmetrical dimethyl-L-arginine and inflammation and adhesion molecule levels in subjects with normal, impaired, and diabetic glucose tolerance.

Increasing evidence suggests that the postprandial state is a contributing factor to the development of atherosclerosis. To evaluate the effects of acute hyperglycemia on endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, plasma asymmetrical dimethyl-l-arginine (ADMA), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) activities were measured in subjects with normal (n = 35), impaired (IGT) (n = 25), and diabetic (DGT) (n = 20) glucose tolerance. At baseline, plasma ADMA, sICAM-1, and CRP concentrations and plasma sPLA(2) activities were higher in both the IGT and DGT groups than in the normal glucose tolerance group (for each comparison, each P < .001). Patients with DGT have higher plasma ADMA and sICAM-1 concentrations than patients with IGT (for each, P < .001).Two hours after glucose loading, plasma ADMA and CRP concentrations and sPLA(2) activities were significantly elevated in the 3 groups when compared with baseline levels (for each comparison, P < .001). Plasma vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and sICAM-1 concentrations were found to be elevated from baseline levels after glucose loading in the IGT and DGT groups (for each comparison, P < .001). Correlation analysis at baseline suggested that there was a significant relationship between ADMA and inflammation and soluble adhesion markers in the studied groups. In conclusion, plasma concentrations of ADMA and of inflammation and adhesion molecules were elevated in the prediabetic state. A complex interrelation could exist between ADMA and inflammation, and mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction are multifactorial at the prediabetic and diabetic state.