Measurement of urinary endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity and comparison with other urinary parameters in patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux. A preliminary report.

Abstract

By using a radioimmunoassay specific for endothelin-1 (ET-1), we measured urinary excretion of ET-1-like immunoreactivity in 63 spot urine samples of 48 patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Urinary excretion of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG), microalbumin (Alb), and creatinine (Cr) were also measured. There was no significant correlation in any pairs of ET-1 and NAG, ET-1 and beta 2-MG or ET-1 and Alb. In patients with grade 2, grade 3, and grade 4 VUR, urinary ET-1/Cr was significantly higher than normal (p < 0.05). Comparing the grade of reflux according to the International Classification with urinary ET-1/Cr, the ratio of more than normal urinary ET-1/Cr increased in proportion to the grade of reflux, but it conversely decreased in grade 5. In conclusion, urinary ET-1 may be an indicator of distal renal tubular or collecting duct injury in patients with primary VUR.