Relevance of erythrocyte Na+/Li+ countertransport measurement in essential hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetic nephropathy: a critical review |
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| Authors: | Van Norren Thien Berden Elving & De Pont |
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| Institution: | University of Nijmegen,;University Hospital Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands |
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| Abstract: | In this review the usefulness of the measurement of erythrocyte Na+/Li+ countertransport (Na+/Li+ CT) activity is evaluated. In particular, the association between enhanced erythrocyte Na+/Li+ CT activity and essential hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetic nephropathy is discussed. The conclusion of this review is that elevated erythrocyte Na+/Li+ CT activity is associated with essential hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. A relationship between Na+/Li+ CT activity and diabetic nephropathy is less evident. Despite a significant link of Na+/Li+ CT activity with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, the diagnostic significance of Na+/Li+ CT activity is low. This is due to the large overlap between the results of control subjects and patients. The factors that contribute to this broad range are discussed in detail. |
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| Keywords: | Diabetic nephropathy erythrocyte hyperlipidaemia hypertension Na+/Li+ countertransport |
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