Homocysteine and asymmetric dimethylarginine concentrations in the plasma of Alzheimer’s disease patients with varying degrees of dementia

摘要

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is accompanied by elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy). Homocysteine may induce elevated concentration of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Both Hcy and ADMA are the amino acids thought to represent risk factors of vascular diseases. Studies were conducted on the plasma levels of Hcy and methionine (Met), estimated by HPLC with electrochemical detection, as well as on levels of ADMA and arginine (Arg), estimated by HPLC with fluorescent detection, in the AD patients with benign through to severe dementia estimated by MMSE scale and in a control group. The studies disclosed elevated levels of Hcy and ADMA in AD (Hcy, p