Objective Depression has been associated with vascular dysfunction, which may be of particular relevance in pregnancy. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and L-arginine play a critical role in vascular function. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in ADMA, SDMA, and L-arginine among pregnant women with major depression compared to pregnant women without depression. Methods A case-control study was conducted in 21 depressed pregnant women and 42 matched controls. Maternal plasma ADMA, SDMA, and L-arginine were quantified, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), urine excretion of ADMA, SDMA, L-arginine, and Arginase I. Results Plasma L-arginine and ADMA levels were significantly lower in the first trimester in women with depression (37.0±9.2 and 0.298±0.06μmol/L, mean± standard deviation [SD], respectively) compared to matched controls (42.1±11.4 and 0.336±0.08μmol/L, p=0.004 and p=0.002 respectively) and across pregnancy (p<0.001 both). Depressed pregnant women had higher levels of plasma CRP (7.5±3.7 vs. 5.1±4.0 μg/mL, p=0.027), but no differences urine excretion of ADMA, SDMA, or L-arginine, or plasma levels of Arginase I (p values > 0.10). Conclusions Pregnant women with depression evidence lower plasma levels of L-arginine and ADMA. These differences are not explained by urinary excretion or Arginase I levels. The mechanism responsible for the observed differences in depressed pregnant women requires further research.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.