Abstract: Abstract Objective：To observe the mRNA expression levels of GRα and GRβ as well as changes of various clinical indicators during the treatment of children PNS to evaluate the efficacy of glucocorticoids (GC). Methods：20 healthy children were selected randomly as control group(N group), 55 PNS kid patients are randomly divided into prednisone group(A group,n =17), triamcinolone group（B group，n = 20）, methylprednisolone group（C group，n=18）. After corresponding GC application, collect blood at 0th, 4th and 8th weeks; test the mRNA expression levels of the GR subtypes in PBMCs by semi-quantitative RT-PCR; record the response to hormone therapy and make follow-up prognosis. Results：At 0th week, the GRα of PNS group is lower than N group (P <0.05); the level of GRβis higher than N group (P <0.05). As the treatment time increases, statistically significant difference of GRαand GRβ were found amony three groups and time effects（(P <0.05 or P<0.01）.Differences in interaction between groups and time effect were only significant in level of GRβ(P <0.05).There were 6 cases of PNS children steroid-resistance; As the treatment continues, there were statistically significant difference of GRα and GRβbetween two groups and time effects（P < 0.05 or P < 0.01）.Differences in interaction between groups and time effect were only significant in level of GRβ(P <0.05). Conclusion : Abnormities are found in the mRNA expression of GRα and GRβ of PNS children. The expression level of GRα and GRβ may evaluate GC effects and the steroid sensitive of PNS children at 8th weeks. The effect of methylprednisolone is best in the way of GR regulation.

Key words: nephrotic syndrome, primary, glucocorticoid receptor, triamcinolone, prednisone, methylprednisolone