Abstract | OBJECTIVES: METHODS: We measured plasma concentrations of DNP by radioimmunoassay methods in 12 cirrhotic patients without ascites and 44 cirrhotic patients with ascites, and compared these values with 20 age-matched healthy subjects. Renal function, plasma cGMP concentration, plasma renin activity, and plasma endothelin concentration were measured in each patient. RESULTS: Patients without ascites had circulating levels of DNP similar to those of healthy subjects. By contrast, patients with ascites had increased circulating DNP levels compared to both patients without ascites and healthy subjects. In addition, circulating levels of DNP increased in relation to the severity of cirrhosis. Significant positive correlations were also found between DNP levels, endothelin concentrations, and plasma renin activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that plasma DNP is increased in cirrhotic patients with ascites.
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Authors | E Fábrega, J Crespo, M Rivero, F Casafont, B Castro, M T García-Unzueta, J A Amado, F Pons-Romero |
Journal | The American journal of gastroenterology
(Am J Gastroenterol)
Vol. 96
Issue 9
Pg. 2724-9
(Sep 2001)
ISSN: 0002-9270 [Print] United States |
PMID | 11569702
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide
- Elapid Venoms
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Peptides
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Elapid Venoms
(blood)
- Female
- Humans
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Liver Cirrhosis
(blood)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Peptides
(blood)
- Severity of Illness Index
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