RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Endothelins are a family of peptides with a potent constriction action that can play a role in the etiology of vascular diabetic complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 26 prepubertal patients diagnosed with type I diabetes mellitus and treated by both insulin and dietetic regime. They were analyzed according to their age. A morning blood sample was obtained after 12 hours of overnight fasting for endothelin determination (RIA from Nichols Institute) and HbA1c (Biorad). Patients were classified into two groups: 1) good control, with HbA1c values < 8% and 2) poor control with HbA1c levels > 8%. The control groups was comprised of endocrinologically normal children that consulted the pediatrician for suspected constitutional delay of growth. Statistical analysis was made by means of nonparametric methods and with the Spearman coefficient. RESULTS: In the control group, the plasma concentration of endothelin were 4.01 +/- 1.1 pg/ml (x +/- SD). In diabetics with good control, values were 3.15 +/- 0.62 pg/ml and 3.91 +/- 1.25 in diabetics with poor control. No statistical differences were noted among these groups. CONCLUSIONS: We deduce that plasmatic levels of endothelin does not seem to be affected by the metabolic control in patients with type I diabetes mellitus without complications.
