Steroid pulse therapy impaired endothelial function while increasing plasma high molecule adiponectin concentration in patients with IgA nephropathy

Background. Decreased plasma adiponectin is associated with impaired endothelial function and, thereby, increased risk for cardiovascular events. Glucocorticoid (GC) affects vascular endothelial cells either favourably or harmfully depending upon the dosages and duration. We examined the effect of GC pulse therapy on vascular endothelial...