OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of glucocorticoid on serum IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα in children with the nephrotic syndrome (NS). METHODS: IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα in serum were detected using ELISA in 24 children with NS before and after the treatment with glucocorticoids. RESULTS: Significant differences of IL-1 ［(195±25) ng/L vs (120±25) ng/L］, IL-6 ［(355±62) ng/L vs (200±23) ng/L］, IL-8 ［(286±55) ng/L vs (178±32) ng/L］ and TNFα ［(265±36) ng/L vs (110±40) ng/L］ were found between the two groups before and after the treatment (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that glucocorticoids might inhibit serum IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα in children with NS.