An association between L-arginine/asymmetric dimethyl arginine balance, obesity, and the age of asthma onset phenotype.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Increasing body mass index (BMI) has been associated with less fractional exhaled nitric oxide (Fe(NO)). This may be explained by an increase in the concentration of asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) relative to L-arginine, which can lead to greater nitric oxide synthase uncoupling.

Objectives

To compare this mechanism across age of asthma onset groups and determine its association with asthma morbidity and lung function.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of participants from the Severe Asthma Research Program, across early- (<12 yr) and late- (>12 yr) onset asthma phenotypes.

Measurements and main results

Subjects with late-onset asthma had a higher median plasma ADMA level (0.48 μM, [interquartile range (IQR), 0.35-0.7] compared with early onset, 0.37

SUBMITTER: Holguin F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3570651 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature