Elevated plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in children with beta-thalassemia major may be an early marker for endothelial dysfunction

Objectives: Beta-thalassemia major is associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate circulating ADMA concentrations in children with beta-thalassemia major. Methods: Thirty-one beta-thalassemia majorchildren aged between 4 and 16 year old and age, gender-matched 36 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Plasma ADMA was measured along with the soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), P-selectin, and Pentraxin-3. Results: Age, gender and body mass index were similar in two groups. Plasma ADMA, sVCAM-1, and sICAM-1 measurements were significantly higher in beta-thalassemia majorpatients than the control group (p < 0.004 for ICAM-1, p < 0.001 for other parameters). There were positive significant correlations between ADMA, sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 (r = 0.437, p < 0.001; r = 0.544, p < 0.001; r = 0.405, p < 0.001, respectively) in the whole group. Discussion: The findings of the current study show us that increased plasma ADMA levels in children with beta-thalassemia majormay be an early marker for endothelial dysfunction and may play a role in the development of premature atherosclerosis in beta-thalassemia major patients.