Abstract: In the study, we measured plasma nitrite, endothelin-1 levels in cirrhotic patients of different phrases, to evaluate the roles they play on ascite producing and renal dysfunctions, and relationships among them. We measured the plasma endothelin-1 concentrations by radioimmunoassay, nitrite levels by Griess method. Standard renal function were also measured. 1. The plasma concentrations of nitrite were significantly higher in the three cirrhotic groups respectively than in healthy subjects, higher in cirrhotic patients with functional renal failure than with ascites. The plasma concentrations of endothelin-1 were significantly higher in the three cirrhotic groups respectively than in healthy subjects, higher in patients with functional renal failure than with ascites. 2. In patients with cirrhosis, plasma endothelin-1 levels was directly correlated to serum creatine, and negatively correlated to serum sodium, urine sodium excretion, creatine clearance rate. 4. In the patients with cirrhosis, there were positive correlations between plasma nitrite and endothelin-1 levels. Increased plasma nitric oxide, endothelin may play important roles in cirrhosis procession, may be important factors in ascites producing and renal dysfunctions. The cooperation of the two factors infecting and depending each other is an important mechanism in cirrhosis developing and complications producing.