The clinical significance of symmetric dimethylarginine in laboratory animals

Abstract

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) has emerged as an important biomarker for assessing kidney function, offering higher sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional biomarkers such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). This review explores the clinical significance of SDMA in laboratory animals, its role in preclinical research, and its translational applications. A byproduct of protein turnover, SDMA is primarily excreted via the kidneys and serves as a reliable indicator of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Unlike traditional biomarkers, SDMA is minimally affected by extrarenal factors such as muscle mass or systemic conditions, allowing for more accurate kidney function assessment. In preclinical models, particularly in rodents, SDMA has proven effective in detecting early kidney dysfunction and monitoring nephrotoxicity during drug development. Its stability, ease of measurement via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and scalability for high-throughput analyses enhance its utility. Comparative studies have consistently shown that SDMA outperforms creatinine and cystatin C, especially in detecting early-stage kidney disease and experimental nephropathy. Furthermore, SDMA’s ability to differentiate between acute and chronic kidney damage strengthens its potential in multi-biomarker panels. Given its translational potential, SDMA serves as a critical bridge between preclinical findings and clinical applications. This review underscores the importance of SDMA in advancing kidney research and improving patient outcomes. The advances in analytical techniques and SDMA’s consistent performance across species position it as a key tool for both preclinical studies and clinical nephrology, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and monitoring kidney health.