Elevated plasma asymmetric dimethyl‐<scp>L</scp>‐arginine levels are linked to endothelial progenitor cell depletion and carotid atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Plasma asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine levels are elevated in RA patients free of cardiovascular disease or risk factors. Asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine accumulation may contribute to endothelial progenitor cell depletion via depressed NO-dependent endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and/or survival, with consequent impairment of endothelial progenitor cell-mediated endothelial repair, which can promote atherogenesis in RA.