Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in normal healthy population, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and its correlation with hypertension and nephropathy in DM. A total of 34 patients with DM, that included 19 cases with simple DM without nephropathy and 15 cases with diabetic nephropathy were used in the study. Four of the cases were considered simple DM and seven cases with diabetic nephropathy were also hypertensive.  Thirty three healthy controls were included in the study. Endothelin estimation was done by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In healthy individuals, plasma ET-1 levels ranged from 2.6 to 5.6 pg/ml with a mean level of XX±YY. The mean value of ET-1 in diabetic nephropathy as well as in non-complicated DM was significantly higher compared to controls. ET-1 was significantly elevated in DM with hypertension compared to than in control group. We conclude from this study that ET-1 is more elevated in DM associated with hypertension and nephropathy than simple DM. The significant findings of the study are that ET-1 is significantly increased in DM whether associated with nephropathy or not and also in DM with hypertension as compared to healthy controls. The increased plasma ET-1 might be a precipitating factor for DM in the predisposed individuals. We recommend plasma ET-1assessments in DM patients especially in male patients.

Key words: Endothelin, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction.