Serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level and cognitive dysfunction in diabetic patients

Background Diabetes is a chronic disease with lots of health complications and has been shown to reduce memory function and cognitive abilities. It has been suggested that diabetic microvascular complications may be involved in the pathophysiology of mild cognitive dysfunction. Raised levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in the blood have been linked to the risk of vascular disorders. Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the serum level of ADMA in diabetic patients and its association with cognitive function and metabolic parameters. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 169 diabetic patients were enrolled. Metabolic parameters including body mass index, fasting blood sugar, fasting blood insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and ADMA were measured. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R). Results Positive correlations were found between all performed subtests of WAIS-R including information, vocabulary, digit-span, picture completion, and block design subtest scores. The subtests of WAIS-R were associated negatively with age and positively with educational status. Serum ADMA was negatively associated with picture completion score after adjustment by age and educational status, significantly (beta=-0.191, p<0.049). Conclusion The involvement of ADMA in the pathogenesis of diabetic cognitive dysfunction is plausible and further studies are required to clarify the mechanism underlying the link of diabetic complications with cognitive decline.