Laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN) are important extra cellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Disturbance between production and degradation of ECM proteins contributes to renal scarring. The aim of the study was evaluation the levels of urinary LN and FN in children with proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome (NS).
Materials and methods: Examinations were conducted on 71 children, 3-15 years old: (A)--44 children with NS (proteinuria above 50 mg/kg b.v./24 hours); (B)--27 children without proteinuria (remission NS). Control group (K)--30 healthy children. Concentration of LN and FN were determined by EIA.
Results: In urine of children with NS (A) urinary concentration of LN significantly increased, in comparison to control (K) (p<0.05), but FN was normal (p>0.05). In children with remission of NS (B) urinary concentration of LN was unchanged (p>0.05), but concentration of FN significantly decreased (p<0.05). In renal biopsies majority children of A group presented minimal changes, but majority children of B group presented hyalinization of renal tubules.
Conclusion: Nephrotic proteinuria disturbs production of LN and increases its urinary excretion, but did not influence on urinary excretion of FN.