Aims: We aimed to evaluate asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in young patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus according to diabetes duration and to examine the relationship between these levels and measures of atherosclerosis and myocardial function. Materials and methods: In total, 83 patients (8.5–22 years) with Type 1 diabetes mellitus were stratified by diabetes duration: 12–60 months (Group 1, n = 27), >60–120 months (Group 2, n = 29) and >120 months (Group 3, n = 27). Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were assessed. Carotid intima–media thickness was measured. Myocardial function was assessed by M-mode, conventional Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Results: Asymmetric dimethylarginine level was significantly higher in Group 1, while carotid intima–media thickness was significantly greater in Group 3 ( p < 0.05). Tissue Doppler echocardiography showed the ratio of peak early to peak late diastolic myocardial annular velocity decreased significantly in Groups 2 and 3 with a negative correlation with duration (r: −0.310, p = 0.004) and HBA1c levels (r = −0.391, p < 0.001). Myocardial performance index in all groups and isovolumic relaxation time in Group 3 increased significantly. Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were negatively correlated with carotid intima–media thickness and isovolumic relaxation time ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: In contrast to adult diabetics, asymmetric dimethylarginine concentration decreases as diabetes duration increases in young Type 1 diabetic patients and is associated with worsening measures of cardiovascular risk and poorer diastolic function.
Nuclear magnetic resonance-determined lipoprotein subclasses and carotid intima-media thickness in type 1 diabetes
