Authors: Ueda S, Yamagishi SI, Okuda S
In recent years, increasing evidence has been found that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a strong cardiovascular risk factor, and therefore, the concept of cardiorenal association is well recognized. One possible factor that could explain this link seems to be endothelial dysfunction. It is widely recognized that endothelial dysfunction plays important roles in both the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. In addition, we have come to understand that endothelial dysfunction may be a causative factor for proteinuria and/or progression of CKD. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a naturally occurring L-arginine analogue found in plasma and various types of tissues, acting as an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in vivo. Plasma l...