The DDAH/ADMA/NOS pathway

Atheroscler Suppl. 2003 Dec;4(4):33-40. doi: 10.1016/s1567-5688(03)00032-1.

Abstract

An increasing number of reports in the literature indicate that endogenously produced inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), particularly asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) regulate nitric oxide generation in numerous disease states. Two dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) enzymes metabolise ADMA. We and others have postulated that activity of DDAH is a key determinant of ADMA levels in vivo. This review summarises recent advances in the regulation and function of DDAH enzymes and its role in the regulation of nitric oxide generation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amidohydrolases / drug effects
  • Amidohydrolases / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Arginine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Arginine / metabolism*
  • Arginine / pharmacology
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / drug effects
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism*
  • Vasodilation / drug effects
  • Vasodilation / physiology

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • N,N-dimethylarginine
  • Arginine
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Amidohydrolases
  • dimethylargininase