RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. Current predictions estimate that by the year 2020 cardiovascular diseases, notably atherosclerosis will become the leading global cause of the total disease burden. Atherosclerosis of the Coronary artery causes myocardial infarction and angina pectoris. Endothelial Nitric oxide (NO), released by the intact and healthy endothelium plays a very important role in the maintenance of vascular tone and structure. Decreased NO level leads to endothelial dysfunction is an initial event in the atherosclerosis. Endogenous Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a structural analog of L-arginine, competitively inhibits the enzyme NO synthase and thus decreases the NO level. AIM: To study the ratio of serum ADMA / NO as a marker of severity of CAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprises of 60 patients of CAD diagnosed by coronary angiography. We divided them into two Groups according to percentage of atherosclerotic block, Group A (71% and more block, n=30) and Group B (40% - 70% block, n=30). We measured serum ADMA, serum NO and calculated ADMA/ NO ratio. RESULTS were compared with 30 healthy age and sex matched controls. Serum ADMA was determined by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Serum NO was measured by cadmium reduction method. Statistical analysis of data analysis was done using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science) Version 11 for window. RESULTS: Serum ADMA was correlated positively with the presence and severity of CAD and inversely related with the serum NO levels. Serum ADMA / NO ratio was statistically significant in CAD patients with atherosclerotic block 71% and above (Group A) but ratio was not significant in Group B (block 40% - 70%). CONCLUSION: Serum ADMA/ NO ratio can be the better predictive marker for the severity of the CAD where patient is at the risk of angina pectoris or myocardial infarction due to the extent of coronary atherosclerotic block than individual serum ADMA levels .
