URINARY GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS IN DIFFERENT PHASES OF BALKAN ENDEMIC NEPHROPATHY

The relationship between glycosaminoglycans and beta2-microglobulin, g lycosaminoglycans and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase as well as the r elationship between the chondroitin sulfate/heparan sulfate ratio and SDS electrophoresis in the urine of subjects from the endemic area of Balkan nephropathy was studied in order to establish a method for earl y detection of this disease. The results show an unquestionable increa se in urinary excretion of total glycosaminoglycans in subjects with o r suspected of having Balkan endemic nephropathy while the chondroitin sulfate/heparan sulfate ratio was not statistically different between the groups studied. Thus, the chondroitin sulfate/heparan sulfate rat io cannot be used as a cheap and quick semiquantitative method for the diagnosis of early tubular damage in Balkan endemic nephropathy. Howe ver, the determination of total glycosaminoglycans in the urine of sub jects from endemic areas proved to be valuable additional information helping with the diagnosis of Balkan endemic nephropathy.