Evidence that links loss of cyclooxygenase-2 with increased asymmetric dimethylarginine: novel explanation of cardiovascular side effects associated with anti-inflammatory drugs

Blerina Ahmetaj-Shala, Nicholas S. Kirkby, Rebecca Knowles, Malak Al'Yamani, Sarah Mazi, Zhen Wang, Arthur T. Tucker, Louise Mackenzie, Paul C. J. Armstrong, Rolf M. Nüsing, James A. P. Tomlinson, Timothy D. Warner, James Leiper, Jane A. Mitchell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Citations (Scopus)
142 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular side effects associated with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor drugs dominate clinical concern. Cyclooxygenase-2 is expressed in the renal medulla where inhibition causes fluid retention and increased blood pressure. However, the mechanisms linking cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and cardiovascular events are unknown and no biomarkers have been identified.METHODS AND RESULTS: Transcriptome analysis of wild-type and cyclooxygenase-2(-/-) mouse tissues revealed 1 gene altered in the heart and aorta, but >1000 genes altered in the renal medulla, including those regulating the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitors asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) and monomethyl-l-arginine. Cyclo-oxygenase-2(-/-) mice had increased plasma levels of ADMA and monomethyl-l-arginine and reduced endothelial nitric oxide responses. These genes and methylarginines were not similarly altered in mice lacking prostacyclin receptors. Wild-type mice or human volunteers taking cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors also showed increased plasma ADMA. Endothelial nitric oxide is cardio-protective, reducing thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Consequently, increased ADMA is associated with cardiovascular disease. Thus, our study identifies ADMA as a biomarker and mechanistic bridge between renal cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and systemic vascular dysfunction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage.CONCLUSIONS: We identify the endogenous endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor ADMA as a biomarker and mechanistic bridge between renal cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and systemic vascular dysfunction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)633-42
Number of pages10
JournalCirculation
Volume131
Issue number7
Early online date9 Dec 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Feb 2015

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