Evaluation of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels of Diabetic -Hypertensive Comorbidity Subjects in Bayelsa State

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Diabetes mellitus is responsible for approximately 1.5 million deaths globally according to the World Health Organization. The existence of hypertension with diabetes serves as a critical risk factor for the progression of chronic diabetic complications, significantly amplifying morbidity and mortality rates. Despite its clinical significance, the role of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), remains under explored in individuals with diabetes-hypertension comorbidity. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the ADMA levels in subjects with coexisting diabetes and hypertension in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was adopted involving 200 participants aged 18–70 years attending diabetic and cardiovascular clinics at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, and Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The participants were randomly recruited and grouped into four categories with an oral consent: apparently healthy controls (n=50), diabetes mellitus (DM) subjects (n=50), hypertensive (HTN) subjects (n=50), and those with coexisting hypertension and diabetes (HTN/DM; n=50). Venous blood samples were collected for the analysis of ADMA using ELISA method. Some demographic parameters were collected from the structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism Version 9.0.0, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The study revealed significantly elevated ADMA levels in HTN and HTN/DM groups compared to DM and control groups (p=0.007). Males had a higher prevalence for hypertension than females. The middle age range of 30-49 populated the study. Conclusion: These findings suggest that coexisting diabetes and hypertension synergistically increases ADMA levels which might potentially increase cardiovascular risk. The need for early routine diagnosis of ADMA, identification of at-risk groups, monitoring, and targeted intervention strategies could mitigate cardiovascular complications in subjects with diabetes-hypertension comorbidity.