Asymmetric dimethylarginine and endothelial progenitor cells after renal transplantation: the effect of exercise training

Abstract

Level of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is elevated and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and stem cells (SC) are decreased in patients undergoing renal transplantation (Tx) and may contribute to cardiovascular complications. We tested the hypothesis that ADMA, EPC and SC can be influenced with regular physical exercise early after Tx. Blood samples of ADMA, EPC, SC, adipocytokines and metabolic parameters were randomly obtained from 50 transplant patients before and 6 months after exercise program (Group I). Fifty age, sex, HLA typing, duration of dialysis and immunosupression regimen-matched non exercising transplant were examined as controls (Group II). After 6 months, in Group I ADMA decreased (3.50+/-0.45 vs 2.11+/-0.35 micromol/l, P<0.01) and was lower comparing to Group II (P<0.01), SC and EPC also decreased (2816+/-600 vs 2071+/-480 cells/ml resp. 194+/-87 to 125+/-67 cells/ml, P<0.02). Next changes in Group I: adiponectin (P<0.01), leptin (P<0.01), resistin (P<0.02). Visfatin, blood lipids, HbA1c, insulin and blood pressure were also influenced by training program (P<0.05).