Asymmetric dimethylarginine and diabetes with cerebrovascular diseases

Nitric oxide （NO） is the most important known endogenous vasodilator factor. The competitive inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine （ADMA） of endothelial nitric oxide synthase （NOS）inhibits NO synthesis, which makes NO/NOS pathway to be obstructed and the reduction of NO synthesis. The studies in recent years have suggested that ADMA is associated with the occurrence and development of diabetes with cerebrovascular disease. It has provided new insights into further clarifying the mechanism of the disease. Key words: Arginine;  Nitric oxide synthase;  Nitric oxide;  Diabetes mellitus;  Cerebrovascular disorders;  Arteriosclerosis