Decrease of Asymmetric Dimethyl Arginine After Anti‐TNF Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. (November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spinelli, Francesca Romana; Di Franco, Manuela; Metere, Alessio; Conti, Fabrizio; Iannuccelli, Cristina; Agati, Luciano; Valesini, Guido
• Other Names: Gisondi Paolo guestEditor.; Murdaca Giuseppe guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Drug development research. Volume 75(2014)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S67
• Page End: S69
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Subjects: asymmetric dimethyl arginine -- rheumatoid arthritis -- endothelial function -- anti‐tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF); Drug development -- Periodicals; Drugs -- Research -- Periodicals; 615.19
• DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21200
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-4391

Abstract

Abstract: Postmarketing Phase IV Chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and increased morbidity and mortality for cardiovascular events. Asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, contributes to the impairment of endothelial function, the earlier and reversible stage of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Since tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibits enzymatic degradation of ADMA, anti‐TNF agents could restore its physiological level. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TNF inhibitors on ADMA serum levels in patients with RA. Our results suggest a possible effect of anti‐TNF drugs on ADMA serum levels; longer studies would be necessary to confirm the role ADMA in assessing cardiovascular risk in RA.