BackgroundThe prevalence of hypertension continues to rise in the pediatric population. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of reports on serum arginine vasopressin and its derivative, copeptin, in blood pressure control, but its role is still unclear. The objective of this study was to assess serum copeptin in adolescents with essential hypertension.MethodsThe study cohort consisted of 84 subjects (30 girls and 54 boys) aged 11–18 years, divided into two groups: hypertension (HT) – 53 subjects with confirmed primary hypertension and R - reference group – 31 subjects in whom hypertension was excluded on the basis of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) (white-coat hypertension). Serum copeptin concentration was measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (USCN).ResultsHypertensive patients had higher serum copeptin levels (median, 267 [Q1–Q3: 151.1–499.7 pg/ml]) than controls (median, 107.3 [Q1–Q3: 36.7–203.4 pg/ml]), (p < 0.01). Statistically significant difference was found both in males and females. In both groups, positive correlations between serum copeptin and uric acid levels (r = 0.31, p < 0.01), albuminuria (r = 0.45, p < 0.01), serum triglycerides (r = 0.3, p < 0.05), body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) (r = 0.24, p < 0.05) and 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.37, p < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.23, p < 0.05) were found.ConclusionsIn summary, higher serum copeptin levels, a surrogate for arginine vasopressin (AVP) release, are associated not only with systolic and diastolic blood pressure but also with several components of metabolic syndrome including obesity, elevated concentration of triglycerides, albuminuria, and serum uric acid level. However, for the time being, more research is needed in order to confirm the role of serum copeptin as a novel marker of elevated blood pressure and predictor of metabolic syndrome.

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The present pilot study has clearly demonstrated that children with UPJO showed increased uAGT levels, which correlated negatively with differential renal function in radionuclide scan.

Elevated SDMA concentration may play an important role in pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease.

BackgroundLipid disorders are known to be linked to disturbance in oxidative reactions and play an important role in the progression and complications of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS).AimsThe aim of this study was to assess oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) serum concentrations and other parameters of lipid metabolism in children with INS during relapse and remission of proteinuria.MethodsThe examination was performed on 23 children and adolescents diagnosed with INS. Reference group consisted of 22 participants. The study was carried out twice: in the relapse of INS (A) and in remission of proteinuria during glucocorticoid treatment (B).ResultsOxLDL was higher in INS patients, in both examinations when compared with reference participants. hs-CRP showed no differences between nephrotic and healthy children. We found higher concentration of oxLDL in children, who where frequent relapsers. Cholesterol, triglycerides/high density lipoprotein cholesterol and platelets were higher in INS patients (both A and B) in comparison with healthy children.ConclusionsWe observed presence of pro-atherogenic lipid profile in INS. Elevation of oxLDL may reflect increased oxidative stress and higher risk of atherosclerosis in INS, therefore it seems to be relevant to find patients of risk of atherosclerosis to consider lipid lowering treatment with antioxidants.