Endothelin 1 and endothelial dysfunction in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

Abstract Background Endothelial dysfunction is the initial step for atherogenesis. Children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome are at risk of endothelial dysfunction due to altered cholesterol metabolism which can lead to early atherosclerosis. Methods In this analytical study with longitudinal follow up 25 children with first episode of nephrotic syndrome (FENS) aged 1–16 years along with 25 age and gender matched healthy controls were enrolled. Endothelin 1 (ET 1) levels were measured by ELISA (Cloud Clone Corp. and assembled by USCN Inc, U.S.A). Other variables were measured using standard biochemical methods. Primary outcome measure was plasma ET 1 level in children with FENS and in controls. Secondary outcome measure was to observe the levels of ET 1 in children with FENS at 12 weeks in remission. Results The level of ET 1 was significantly higher (p