Abstract: AIM: To investigate the effects of angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ) blockers on TNF-αand the relationship between TNF-αand proteinuria in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). METHODS: 32 patients examined by biopsy as primary CGN with proteinuria were treated by benazepril, valsartan or combination with benazepril and valsartan for 8 to 12 weeks respectively.The TNF-αlevels in serum and urine, 24 hours proteinuria quantity, and serum creatinine level were assayed and recorded respectively before and after 8 to 12 weeks therapy. RESULTS: The TNF-αlevels in serum and urine and 24 hours proteinuria quantity were reduced significantly after therapy [ (7.8 ±3.9) vs (5.0 ±1.6) fmol mL, (11.9 ±6.8) vs (8.3 ± 3.5) fmol /mL, (2.6 ±2.0) vs (1.0 ±0.5) g, respectively;P <0.01, P <0.05, P <0.01].There was a positive correlation between the 24 hours proteinuria quantity and TNF-αlevels in serum and urine before and after therapy (P <0.01, P <0.05;P < 0.05, P <0.05;respectively). CONCLUSION: The TNF-αlevels in serum and urine were significantly increased in CGN patients, and there was a positive relationship between the TNF-αlevel and 24 hours proteinuria quantity.The Ang Ⅱ blockers could decrease TNF-αlevels in serum and urine, reduce proteinuria, and protect renal function.

Key words: chronic glomerulonephritis, tumor necrosis factor-α, proteinuria, angiotensin Ⅱ