Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in allergic rhinitis and nasal polyposis

Aim: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is the major endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. We aimed to investigate the ADMA levels in allergic rhinitis (AR) and nasal polyposis (NP). Materials and methods: A total of 29 AR patients, 21 NP patients, and 30 healthy subjects to be used as a control group were enrolled in the study. ADMA was measured in the AR, NP, and control groups with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Any patients or control subjects with coronary artery disease, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, or hypertension were excluded from the study. Results: The mean ADMA serum concentration was 0.52 +/- 0.08 mu mol/L in the AR group, 0.62 +/- 0.10 mu mol/L in the NP group, and 0.67 +/- 0.09 mu mol/L in the control group. The ADMA serum concentration in the AR group was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.001). Considered together, the NP and AR groups had ADMA levels that were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In the present study, lower ADMA levels were found in the AR and NP groups.