Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels in Patients with Vasovagal Syncope

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of syncope and has multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is the major inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma ADMA levels and syncope during the head-up tilt (HUT) test. Materials and Methods: Overall, 97 patients were included in this study. They were above 18 years of age and were admitted to our clinic with the complaint of at least one episode of syncope consistent with VVS. The HUT test was performed in all patients. Patients were divided into the following two groups based on the HUT test results: group 1 included 57 patients with a positive HUT test and group 2 included 35 patients with a negative HUT test. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after the HUT test to measure ADMA levels. Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed concerning gender and age (female gender 68% vs 60%; mean age 24.85 ± 4.01 vs 25.62 ± 3.54 years, respectively, for groups 1 and 2). ADMA values were similar between groups 1 and 2 before the HUT test [ADMA of 958 (544−1418) vs 951 (519−1269); p = 0.794]. In the negative HUT group, no significant differences were observed in ADMA levels before and after the HUT test [ADMA of 951 (519−1269) vs 951 (519−1566); p = 0.764]. However, in the positive HUT group, ADMA levels were significantly decreased following the HUT test [pretest ADMA of 958 (544−1418) vs post-test ADMA of 115 (67−198); p < 0.001]. Conclusion: ADMA levels significantly decreased after the HUT test in patients with VVS.

Keywords

• vasovagal syncope
• head-up tilt test
• asymmetric dimethylarginine
• nitric oxide