Macrophage migration inhibitory factor antagonist (p425) ameliorates kidney histopathological and functional changes in diabetic rats / Antagonista (p425) do fator de inibição da migração de macrófagos (MIF) melhora as alterações histopatológicas e funcionais renais em ratos diabéticos

Abstract Introduction: It is hypothesized that increased macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression may contribute to diabetic nephropathy (DN) pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the renal effects of MIF inhibition in a diabetic experimental model. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats (230 ± 20 g) were divided into three groups: 1) control, 2) diabetic (STZ, 50 mg/kg, dissolved in saline, ip), 3) diabetic + MIF antagonist (p425, 1 mg/kg per day, ip, on the 21th day, for 21 consecutive days). The treatment started since we founwd a significant increase in urine albumin excretion (UAE) rate in the diabetic rats in comparison with the control rats. The rats were kept individually in metabolic cages (8 AM-2 PM) and urine samples were collected in the 21 and 42th day. At the end, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical (BS, UPE, urine GAG, BUN, Cr, Na, and K) and histological analyses. Results: The results of this study showed that MIF antagonist (p425) significantly decreased urine protein and GAG excretion, urine protein/creatinine ratio, and serum BUN and Cr in the streptozotocin-induced DN in the rats. Pathological changes were significantly alleviated in the MIF antagonist (p425)-administered DN rats. Conclusion: Collectively, these data suggested that MIF antagonist (p425) was able to protect against functional and histopathological injury in the DN.

Resumo Introdução: Supõe-se que elevações da expressão do fator de inibição da migração de macrófagos (MIF) possam contribuir para a patogênese da nefropatia diabética (ND). O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os efeitos renais da inibição do MIF em um modelo experimental diabético. Métodos: Dezoito ratos Wistar machos (230 ± 20g) foram divididos em três grupos: 1) controle, 2) diabético (STZ 50 mg/kg dissolvida em soro fisiológico, IP), 3) diabético + antagonista do MIF (p425 1 mg/kg por dia IP no 21o dia por 21 dias consecutivos). O tratamento começou após a identificação de aumento significativo na albuminúria nos ratos diabéticos em relação aos controles. Os ratos foram mantidos individualmente em gaiolas metabólicas (8h-14h) e amostras de urina foram colhidas no 21o e no 42o dia. Ao final do estudo, amostras de sangue e tecido foram colhidas para análises bioquímicas (BS, excreção urinária de proteína, excreção urinária de GAGs, BUN, Cr, Na e K) e histológicas. Resultados: O presente estudo demonstrou que o antagonista do MIF (p425) diminuiu significativamente proteinúria, excreção urinária de GAGs , relação proteína/creatinina na urina, BUN e Cr no grupo com ND induzida por estreptozotocina. As alterações patológicas foram significativamente abrandadas nos ratos com ND que receberam antagonista do MIF (p425). Conclusão: Coletivamente, os dados sugerem que o antagonista do MIF (p425) teve efeito protetor contra lesões funcionais e histopatológicas da ND.

Efecto de los antagonistas de aldosterona en nefropatía diabética: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Systematic review of the effect of aldosterone antagonists on urinary albumin excretion in diabetic nephropathy

The beneficial effect angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARA) for diabetic nephropathy can be hampered by the phenomenon of aldosterone escape. Aldosterone antagonists such as espironolactone or epleronone could potentiate the effects of ACEI and ARA and avoid the later problem. We performed a systematic search of the literature on the effects of aldosterone antagonists on diabetic nephropathy. We searched for clinical trials and follow up studies measuring the effects of aldosterone antagonists on urinary albumin excretion among patients with diabetic nephropathy. We retrieved 1345 papers on the subject and 10 were selected for analysis. Among these, spironolactone was more effective than comparing drugs to achieve a reduction in urinary albumin excretion of approximately 30 to 40 percent. On the other hand epleronone was not superior to comparing drugs. All studies reported a modest reduction in glomerular filtration rate and an increase in serum potassium levels. In conclusion, spironolactone in doses of 25 to 100 mg/day reduces urinary albumin excretion but reduces also glomerular filtration rate and increases serum potassium levels.

Microalbuminuria como elemento de predicción de nefropatía y riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes diabéticos / Microalbuminuria as predictor of nephropathy and cardiovascular risk factor among diabetic patients

Microalbuminuria, defined as urinary excretion of albumin in the range of 30-300 mg/g creatinine, affects 20-30 percent of the type 2 diabetic (DM2) patients and 30-40 percent of type 1 diabetic (DM1) patients who, without intervention, progress to macroalbuminuria at rates of 5 and 7.5 percent per year, respectively. Hyperglycemia, by activating different metabolic pathways and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, determines an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) which finally causes endothelial dysfunction. Albuminuria reflects a generalized endothelial dysfunction, that is related to cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. Therefore, microalbuminuria becomes a predictor of renal damage, a coronary risk factor and a predictor of cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have demonstrated that progression of albuminuria can be prevented in normotensive and hypertensive DM1 and DM2 patients with the use of an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme II or an antagonist of the angiotensin II receptor. These measures also provide cardiovascular protection in diabetic patients, an effect that is independent of the hypotensive action of the drug. In microalbuminuric diabetic patients, treatment should be oriented to diminish or avoid progression of microalbuminuria, and to maintain blood pressure, glucose and lipids within the recommended limits to avoid vascular and renal damage.

Anti-albuminuric efficacy of a combination of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor & angiotensin receptor blocker in type 1 DM with nephropathy.

Background & objective: The efficacy of the combination of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in patients of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) with nephropathy is debatable. The antialbuminuric efficacy of dual blockade in patients of type 1 DM with micro- or macroabuminuria were evaluated. Methods: In this open label observational study 30 patients (20 male 10 female) with type 1 DM were included who were initially treated with telmisartan 80 mg for eight weeks followed by addition of ramipril 10 mg for a further eight weeks. Albuminuria reduction was studied at the end of each phase. Results: Therapy with telmisartan for 8 wk resulted in a 39 per cent (P<0.01) reduction in albumin excretion rate (AER). Combination therapy with telmisartan and ramipril produced a further reduction in AER of 33.4 per cent (P<0.01), amounting to a total AER reduction of 59 per cent (P<0.001). Dual blockade was more effective in the group of macroalbuminuric as compared to microalbuminuric subjects (P<0.05). Telmisartan produced a significant reduction in SBP (P<0.05). The addition of ramipril produced a further reduction in BP, the total reduction being 10.3 in SBP and 7.2 mmHg in DBP (P<0.001 for both). There was an increase in mean serum potassium of 0.39 mmol/l (P<0.01) from baseline at the end of the study period and two patients had hyperkalemia > 5.5 mmol/l with dual blockade. Interpretation & conclusion: Dual blockade with ramipril enhanced the antialbuminuric efficacy of telmisartan and further reduced blood pressure. The effect of dual blockade was more pronounced in the macroalbuminuric subjects and it was well tolerated. However, careful monitoring of serum potassium is required.

Transferências lipídicas para HDL em diabéticos tipo 2: associações com microalbuminúria, estatina e insulina / Transferencias lipídicas hacia HDL en diabéticos tipo 2: asociaciones con microalbuminuria, estatina y insulina / Lipid transfer to HDL in type-2 diabetic patients: associations with microalbuminuria, statin, and insulin

FUNDAMENTO: O diabete melito tipo 2 (DM2) é um fator de risco isolado para coronariopatia, principalmente quando associado à microalbuminúria (MA). Alterações estruturais e funcionais das lipoproteínas não são totalmente esclarecidas nesse contexto. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a transferência de lípides para HDL (T) em pacientes DM2 e a associação com a presença da MA e com o tratamento com estatina ou insulina. MÉTODOS: Estudamos 33 pacientes com DM2 e 34 controles pareados para idade. Uma nanoemulsão lipídica artificial radiomarcada com ³H-Triglicéride (TG) e 14C-colesterol livre (CL) ou ³H-colesterol éster (CE) e 14C-fosfolípide (FL) foi incubada com plasma. A nanoemulsão e as lipoproteínas foram precipitadas, exceto a HDL, que teve sua radioatividade contada. RESULTADOS: A TFL ( por cento) foi maior no grupo com DM2 que no grupo-controle (25,2±3,2 e 19,7±3,2 respectivamente; p < 0,001), assim como a TCL ( por cento): 9,1±2,7 e 6,3±1,5 respectivamente; p < 0,001. O diagnóstico de MA não se associou a mudanças da propriedade de transferência. O uso da insulina associou-se à menor TFL ( por cento): 23,5±2,1 contra 26,1±3,3; p = 0,018. Já o uso da estatina associou-se à queda de todas - TCE ( por cento): 3,5±0,9; TFL ( por cento):23,8±2,0; TTG ( por cento): 3,9±0,8; TCL ( por cento):7,4±1,3 - quando comparado ao grupo que não usava estatina (TCE ( por cento):5,9±2,4; TFL ( por cento):26,9±3,6; TTG ( por cento):6,4±2,2; TCL ( por cento):11,1±2,6). CONCLUSÃO: O DM2 aumentou a transferência de lípides de superfície para HDL, enquanto o uso de estatina diminuiu todas as transferências de lípides. A presença de MA não se associou às alterações das transferências de lípides.

BACKGROUND: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an isolated risk factor for coronary artery disease, especially when associated with microalbuminuria (MA). Structural and functional changes in lipoproteins have not yet been fully elucidated in this context. OBJECTIVE: To assess lipid transfer (T) to HDL in type-2 diabetic patients and its association with microalbuminuria and treatment with statins or insulin. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus and 34 age-matched control subjects were studied. A synthetic cholesterol-rich nanoemulsion radiolabeled with ³H- triglycerides (TG) and 14C-free cholesterol (FC) or ³H- cholesteryl ester (CE) and 14C-phospholipids (PL) was incubated with plasma. Both the nanoemulsion and lipoproteins were precipitated, except for HDL, which was counted for radioactivity. RESULTS: PLT ( percent) was higher in the T2DM group than in the control group (25.2 ± 3.2 and 19.7 ± 3.2 respectively; p < 0.001), as was free cholesterol ( percent FC): 9.1 ± 2.7 and 6.3 ± 1.5 respectively; p < 0.001. The diagnosis of microalbuminuria (MA) was not associated with changes in lipid transfers. Insulin therapy was associated with lower PLT rates: 23.5 ± 2.1 versus 26.1 ± 3.3; p = 0.018. Statin therapy, in turn, was associated with a drop in all lipid transfers - CET 3.5 ± 0.9; PLT: 23.8 ± 2.0; TGT: 3.9 ± 0.8; FCT: 7.4 ± 1.3 - as compared to the group that was not on statin therapy (CET: 5.9 ± 2.4; PLT: 26.9 ± 3.6; TGT: 6.4 ± 2.2; FCT: 11.1 ± 2.6). CONCLUSION:Type-2 diabetes mellitus increased lipid transfer to HDL particles, whereas statin therapy decreased all lipid transfers. The presence of MA was not associated with changes in lipid transfer.

FUNDAMENTO: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) es un factor de riesgo aislado para coronariopatía, principalmente cuando asociado a la microalbuminuria (MA). Alteraciones estructurales y funcionales de las lipoproteínas no están totalmente aclaradas en ese contexto. OBJETIVO: Evaluar no sólo la transferencia de lípidos hacia HDL (T) en pacientes DM2, sino también la asociación tanto con la presencia de la MA como con el tratamiento con estatina o insulina. MÉTODOS: Estudiamos a 33 pacientes con DM2 y 34 controles pareados para edad. Se incubó con plasma una nanoemulsión lipídica artificial radiomarcada con ³H-Triglicérido (TG) y 14C-colesterol libre (CL) o ³H-colesterol esterificado (CE) y 14C-fosfolípido (FL). Se procedió a la precipitación de la nanoemulsión y de las lipoproteínas, con excepción de la HDL, que tuvo su radioactividad contada. RESULTADOS: El valor de TFL ( por ciento) resultó mayor en el grupo con DM2 en confrontación con el grupo-control (25,2±3,2 y 19,7±3,2 respectivamente; p < 0,001); la TCL ( por ciento), por su vez, obtuvo los siguientes resultados: 9,1±2,7 y 6,3±1,5 respectivamente; p < 0,001. El diagnóstico de MA no se asoció a cambios de la propiedad de transferencia. El uso de la insulina se asoció al menor valor de TFL ( por ciento): 23,5±2,1 vs 26,1±3,3; p = 0,018. Ya el uso de la estatina se asoció a la baja del valor de todas las lipoproteínas - TCE ( por ciento): 3,5±0,9; TFL ( por ciento):23,8±2,0; TTG ( por ciento): 3,9±0,8; TCL ( por ciento):7,4±1,3 - si comparado al grupo que no usaba estatina (TCE ( por ciento):5,9±2,4; TFL ( por ciento):26,9±3,6; TTG ( por ciento):6,4±2,2; TCL ( por ciento):11,1±2,6). CONCLUSIONES: El DM2 aumentó la transferencia de lípidos de superficie hacia HDL, mientras que el uso de estatina disminuyó todas las transferencias de lípidos. La presencia de MA no se asoció a las alteraciones de las transferencias de lípidos.

Short-term effects of irbesartan treatment on microalbuminuria in patients with normotensive type 2 diabetes

A total of 40 normotensive type 2 diabetes patients [mean age 55.1 +/- 11.4 years] who had microalbuminuria were included in this non-comparative and prospective research study. The study took place in Ege University Hospital, Bornova-Izmir, Turkey, between January 2005 and April 2005. Patients were treated with irbesartan 300mg/day for 3 months. Physical examination, medical history, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, microalbuminuria, diabetes markers fasting and non-fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], lipid profile, creatinine and urea were obtained at baseline and after 3 months of irbesartan treatment. The primary assessment criterion was the change in microalbuminuria. The mean microalbuminuria level at baseline was 110.8 +/- 93.1mg/24 hours. It significantly decreased to 45.6 +/- 62.5mg/24 hours at the end of 3 months of irbesartan treatment [p < 0.001]. When patients were stratified according to the change in the microalbuminuria status after treatment, 90% of them either returned to normo albuminuria or their microalbuminuria decreased. Both diastolic and systolic blood pressures, fasting and non-fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c were found to be significantly decreased after 3 months of irbesartan treatment compared to pre-treatment values. The positive effect of irbesartan on microalbuminuria occurs independently from HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressures. The short-term treatment of irbesartan is effective to decrease microalbuminuria in normotensive type 2 diabetes patients, independent of its antihypertensive effect. There is a need for multicenter prospective studies to investigate this further

Use of losartan in reducing microalbuminuria in normotensive patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global disease and its resultant complication, diabetic nephropathy, is a leading cause of chronic renal failure. Microalbuminuria is an early indicator of diabetic nephropathy and is also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity. Data have shown that anti-hypertensives like Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), and Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) reduce microalbuminuria and retards the progression of renal disease effectively in hypertensive T2DM patients. But the effects ofARBs on preventing microalbuminuria and ensuing nephropathy in normotensive patients with T2DM is yet to be fully established. To assess the anti-microalbuminuric effects of losartan therapy in normotensive T2DM patients. Interventional Phase Two Clinical Trial was done. Study was done at Diabetic Clinic, Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Pakistan over 8 months. A total of 171 normotensive patients with T2DM and microalbuminuria were evaluated. After informed consent and baseline 24-hour urinary microalbuminuria quantification the selected patients were started on losartan 50 mg/day for a six-month period. Monthly follow-ups were done to monitor the blood pressure, glycemic control, urea/creatinine/potassium levels and any untoward effects of losartan therapy. Quantitative microalbuminuria was repeated at the end of study. Out of the 171 patients, 149 (87.1%) had significant albuminuria reduction >30.0% of their baseline and the variable of final outcome of intervention (urinary albumin in mg/dl) was significantly reduced (Mean 101.9 +/- SD 21.7 baseline and 47.5 +/- 12.9 post therapy) with p<0.001 and with minimal side-effects. These anti-albuminuric effects of losartan were reversible as seen on rechecking the urinary albumin two months after discontinuation of treatment. Losartan was well tolerated and demonstrated significant anti-proteinuric effects in patients with T2DM with early nephropathy independent of hypertension, warranting further long-term large-scale studies to prove its usefulness as preventive therapy for diabetic nephropathy.

Blockade of Oxidative Stress by Vitamin C Ameliorates Albuminuria and Renal Sclerosis in Experimental Diabetic Rats

PURPOSE: Oxidative stress has been suggested to play a role as a common mediator of apoptosis and kidney damage in diabetes. However, it is uncertain whether the apoptosis occurs in the kidney during the course of diabetes. We investigated the occurrence of apoptosis in the diabetic rat kidney, the role of oxidative stress and the effect of an antioxidant on apoptosis in the diabetic rat kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Otsuka-Long-Evans-Tokushima-Fatty rats, an animal model for type 2 diabetes, were randomized into a non-treated diabetic (n=8) and a vitamin C-treated group (n=8). Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka rats (n=8) were used as a control. RESULTS: Apoptosis was present in the epithelial cells of the proximal tubules in diabetic rats. The number of apoptotic cells, albuminuria, proteinuria, glomerular and tubulointerstitial sclerosis, and renal malondialdehyde were significantly decreased in vitamin C-treated diabetic rats when compared to the untreated diabetic rats. The decreased slit pore density (number of slit pores per underlying glomerular basement membrane length) as assessed by electron microscopy was also significantly restored by treatment with vitamin C without significantly affecting plasma glucose in diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: By blocking these pathophysiologic processes, a blockade of oxidative stress by vitamin C might become a useful adjunct to albuminuria and renal sclerosis in diabetic nephropathy.

Microalbuminúria: fator de risco cardiovascular e renal subestimado na prática clínica / Microalbuminuria: cardiovascular and renal risk factors underestimated in clinical practice

Embora de fácil determinação, a medida da excreção de albumina na urina tem sido pouco utilizada na identificação de indivíduos com diabetes tipo 2 (DM2), de maior risco para o desenvolvimento de doença renal e cardiovascular (CV). Tem sido demonstrado que as medidas das concentrações de albumina e creatinina (Cr) em amostras isoladas de urina, permitindo o cálculo da relação entre elas, podem ser suficientes para o rastreamento e mesmo para a avaliação da eficácia de medidas adotadas para a redução da microalbuminúria. Valores >30 mg/g de Cr ou 3,4 mg/mmol de Cr são indicativos de microalbuminúria e, em pacientes com DM2, a associação freqüente com a elevação dos níveis da pressão arterial representa condição de alto risco CV. Evidências epidemiológicas indicam que a presença de microalbuminúria prediz maior morbidade e mortalidade CV independente de outros fatores de risco. Por outro lado, a microalbuminúria mostra-se também freqüentemente associada a outros fatores de risco CV, sendo um dos componentes da síndrome metabólica. A capacidade de reduzir a pressão arterial, a pressão intraglomerular e a permeabilidade da membrana glomerular, fatores determinantes da progressão da lesão renal, explica o efeito renoprotetor dos inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (IECAs) e dos bloqueadores dos receptores da angiotensina II (BRAs). No tratamento da nefropatia diabética, o uso de IECAs e BRAs associado ao controle rígido da pressão arterial, que deve ser mantida em níveis iguais ou inferiores a 130/80 mmHg, tem se mostrado como estratégia não só para promover proteção renal como também para promover proteção CV.

Determination of microalbuminuria has been shown to be useful to identify patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) at high risk of renal and cardiovascular (CV) diseases. The determination of the albumin/ creatinine (Cr) ratio in an isolate sample of urine has been shown to be sufficient for the diagnosis as well as for the evaluation of the efficacy of the therapy employed to reduce microalbuminuria. Values of urinary albumin >30 mg/g of Cr or 3,4 mg/mmol of Cr are evidence of microalbuminuria. This condition is frequently associated with high blood pressure levels, which increases dramatically not only the progression of renal disease but also de risk of a CV event. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that the presence of microalbuminuria is predictive of higher morbi-mortality independent of the presence of other CV risk factors. It appears to reflect a generalized vascular lesion not confined to the glomeruli. The capacity of reducing blood pressure, intraglomerular pressure and the permeability of the glomerular membrane, which are important factors in the progression of renal disease, may explain the renoprotective effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and the angiotensin II receptors blockers (ARBs). In the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, the control of blood pressure, which has to be maintained near or below 130/80 mmHg associated to the blockade of the renin-angiotensin system with ACEIs or BRAs are the best strategies to promote renal and CV protection.

A pilot study for evaluation of the efficacy and safety of telmisartan in reducing microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of telmisartan, an angiotensim II receptor blocker, in reducing microalbuminuria in adult Indian hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a prospective, open-label, non-comparative, assessor-blind, multicentric, pilot study was conducted in 60 eligible hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and microalbuminuria after obtaining their informed consent. The study was approved by the respective institutional review boards. Each patient received telmisartan 40 mg initially once daily for first 4 weeks which was titrated upwards to 80 mg once daily for the next 8 weeks. Blood pressure was assessed at the end of every 2 weeks and urinary albumin excretion and creatinine clearance were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of therapy. Safety outcome measures included monitoring of physical examination, laboratory parameters and monitoring treatment-emergent adverse events. Fifty-five patients completed the study while 5 cases were lost to follow-up. The mean age of the patients was 48.27 years. Of the total patients 63.6% were males and 46.4% were females. At baseline the mean urinary albumin excretion rate was 131.81 +/- 38.82 mg/minute. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction (32.96%) in urinary albumin excretion rate occurred after 12 weeks of therapy (118.36 +/- 37.22). The mean pre-study systolic blood pressure was 165.05 +/- 15.24 mmHg which was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced to 123.72 +/- 5.88 mmHg at the end of 12 weeks. At baseline the mean diastolic blood pressure was 103.55 +/- 9.84 mmHg which was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced to 84.71 +/- 8.54 mmHg. The JNC-VII goal of blood pressure below 130/80 was achieved in 34 (61.8%)of the 55 patients at the end of 12 weeks. Both fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels were well-controlled at the end of the study. Telmisartan was well tolerated with only 9.09% of the patients reported mild and transient adverse events like fatigue, dizziness, nausea and diarrhoea. No abnormalities were detected in the laboratory parameters. The results of this pilot study indicate that telmisartan is effective, safe and well tolerated while reducing microalbuminuria in adult Indian hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of Losartan and Ramipril combination in the management of hypertensive patients with associated diabetes mellitus in India (LORD Trial).

AIM: The study was conducted to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of fixed dose combination (FDC) of Losartan and Ramipril in the management of mild to moderate hypertensive Native Asian Indian patients with associated diabetes mellitus. The secondary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the combination in reducing microalbuminuria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was an open, non-comparative, multicentric clinical trial conducted in seven Indian centres in 315 eligible patients. All the patients were treated with Losartan 50 mg + Ramipril 2.5 mg or Losartan 50 mg + Ramipril 5 mg once a day in 12 weeks and consisted of a total of eight visits. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 52.93 years (range 45 - 60 years). Of the total patients, 62.86% were males and 37.14% were females. The mean prestudy systolic blood pressure was 160.56 +/- 14.44 which was significantly reduced to 126.85 +/- 9.78 at the end of 12 weeks (P < 0.001). Similarly the mean diastolic blood pressure was 98.91 +/- 8.33 at baseline (stage I) which was significantly reduced to 79.82 +/- 5.42 at the end of 12 weeks (P < 0.001). A mean fall of 33.72 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and the mean fall of 19.10 mmHg was observed in systolic and diastolic blood pressure respectively at the end of the treatment which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). The JNC-VII goal of blood pressure < 130/80 was achieved in 79.05% patients after the treatment which losartan and ramipril combination only. Microalbuminuria (urinary albumin excretion > 30 but < 300 mg/day) was seen in 83/250 (33.2%) patients and 135 (54%) patients had clinical proteinuria (albuminuria) at baseline. At the end of the therapy 20.8% patients achieved normoalbuminuria. Good to excellent efficacy response was reported in 98.09% patients and 98.41% patients reported good to excellent tolerability to the treatment. CONCLUSION: The fixed dose combination of Losartan and Ramipril showed good to excellent efficacy response in 98.10% patients and achieved a target blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg in 79.05% patients in 12 weeks. The combination reduced the urinary albumin excretion in majority of the patients with microalbuminuria and proteinuria (the major marker of nephropathy).

Effect of losartan on albuminuria, peripheral and autonomic neuropathy in normotensive microalbuminuric type 2 diabetics.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are emerging as effective agents for preventing microvascular complications of diabetes. Losartan (angiotensin II antagonist) has an antihypertensive efficacy equivalent to ACE inhibitors, however its role in microvascular complications is not yet known. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied the efficacy of losartan (50 mg once daily for 12 weeks) on albuminuria, peripheral and autonomic neuropathy in 25 normotensive microalbuminuric type 2 diabetics who were asymptomatic for neuropathy. RESULTS: Mean age was 46.6 +/- 4.34 years with the average duration of diabetes being 8.1 +/- 1.54 years. Albuminuria improved significantly from 54 +/- 9.35 mg/L to 32.8 +/- 25 mg/L (Paired student's t-test, P=0.0005) after therapy. Autonomic neuropathy was observed in 64% while 76% had peripheral neuropathy; but there was no improvement with losartan. The duration of diabetes had a negative correlation with autonomic neuropathy. It also had a similar negative correlation with median and common peroneal nerve motor conduction velocities (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = -0.53, P<0.01 and r = -0.56, P<0.01 respectively) implying that autonomic and peripheral neuropathy worsen as a diabetic ages. However, no correlation existed between albuminuria and autonomic or peripheral nerve function. CONCLUSION: Autonomic and peripheral neuropathy are highly prevalent in normotensive microalbuminuric diabetic patients. Losartan remarkably improves albuminuria but a similar benefit in autonomic or peripheral neuropathy is not seen over 12 weeks. The future may see a defining role for losartan in microvascular complications in normotensive diabetics.

Effects on urinary albumin excretion and renal function changes by delapril and manidipine in normotensive type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of delapril, an ACE inhibitor, and manidipine, a long action calcium antagonist, on persistent microalbuminuria in normotensive type 2 diabetic patients. Sixty type 2 diabetic patients were randomized to take delapril 30 mg/day or manidipine 10 mg/day for 48 weeks, in an open label design. Twenty eight of thirty subjects in the delapril group and twenty nine of thirty in the manidipine group completed the study. Urine albumin excretion as measured by the urinary albumin creatinine ratio decreased significantly in both groups (112.0+/-60.9 to 95.3+/-64.9 mg/g and 108.5+/-51.0 to 96.4+/-53.5 mg/g in the delapril and manidipine group respectively, p < 0.05, by paired t-test). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not significantly changed after treatment in the delapril group but significantly decreased in the manidipine group (130.9+/-7.1/80.2+/-6.1 to 127.2+/-7.1/78.0+/-5.3 mm/Hg, p < 0.05, by student's paired t-test). After 48 weeks of treatment, two patients in the delapril group and one patient in the manidipine group converted to normoalbuminuria (urinary albumin:creatinine ratio < 30 mg/g) and one patient in each group progressed to overt nephropathy (urinary albumin:creatinine ratio > 300 mg/g). There were no significant changes in fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, serum fructosamine, creatinine, potassium and lipid profiles after 48 weeks of treatment in both groups. Two cases in the delapril group were withdrawn during the study because of an intolerable cough and one case in the manidipine group because of intolerable dizziness and headache. In conclusion, both delapril and manidipine are effective in the reduction of microalbuminuria in normotensive type 2 diabetic patients with persistent microalbuminuria.

Impediment of the progressions of microalbuminuria and hyperlipidemia in normotensive type 2 diabetes by low-dose ramipril.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we investigated in normotensive type 2 diabetics with microalbuminuria the effect of ramipril, an ACE inhibitor, on urine albumin excretion and serum lipids. A total of 1,882 patients were screened for urine microalbumin consecutively by dipstick test, Rapi Tex-Albumin test and RIA. The final 28 normotensive and microalbuminuric patients were assigned to receive either ramipril (1.25 mg/d, n = 16) or placebo (n = 12) for 12 weeks. Throughout the study, both groups had no changes in blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1C, serum creatinine and electrolytes and no difference in creatinine clearance. At week 12 only the placebo group showed the significant increment of urine albumin excretion and triacylglycerol (30.6 +/- 38.3 to 39.0 +/- 19.7 and 167 +/- 64 to 208 +/- 77 mg/dl, respectively) but the decrement of HDL-cholesterol (46 +/- 16 to 35 +/- 6 mg/dl). During a 3 month period, increased urine albumin excretion was observed in normotensive type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria who received only placebo. We conclude that ramipril may arrest the progression of albumin excretion and had favorable effects on serum lipids. Ramipril was safe and well-tolerated without untoward side effects during the study period.

Excreción urinaria de albúmina en diabéticos no insulino-dependientes: efecto de un inhibidor de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina / Albumin urinary excretion in non insulin dependent diabetic patients: effects of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor

Microalbuminuria in diabetic patients is diagnostic of early renal involvement and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors reduce albumin excretion in these subjects. To asses the effect of ACEI on urinary albumin excretion, non insulin dependent diabetic patients with normal blood pressure were randomly assigned to receive enalapril 10 mg/day or placebo and followed during 18 months. Those with high blood pressure were randomly assigned to receive enalapril or acebutolol in doses necessary to normalize blood pressure and followed during 12 months. Every 3 month, urinary albumin excretion was measured in a 4 hour urine sample by radioimmunoassay. One hundred fifty two patients were recruited for the study and 46 were lost from follow up. In 17 subjects with normal blood pressure initial urinary albumin excretion below cutoff values (30 mg/24 h) and treated with enalapril, this parameter did not change; in 20 treated with placebo, it incresed from 5.8ñ6.1 to 18.2ñ7.5 mg/24 h. In 11 patients with normal pressure and initial urinary albumin, this parameter did not change with enalapril and increased in 10 with placebo from 87.3ñ75.1 to 253.6ñ61.1 mg/24 h. In hypertensive patients with normal urinary albumin excretion, no changes in this parameter were observed in those treated with acebutolol (n=10) or enalapril (n=14). In hypertensive with high urinary albumin excretion, it decreased from 119.2ñ8.5 to 40.0ñ4.7 mg/24 h with enalapril treatment (n=12) and no change was observed in those treated with acebutolol (n=11). In Conclusion, enalapril decreases urinary albumin excretion in non insulin dependent diabetic patients

Efeitos do captopril sobre a excreçäo urinária de albumina e sobre a hemodinâmica renal em pacientes diabéticos do tipo I portadores de nefropatia diabética / Effects of captopril on albumin urinary excretion and on renal hemodynamic in diabetic patients type I with diabetic nephropathy

Em diabéticos hipertensos com nefropatia diabética, a administraçao de hidroclortiazida (HDMH,n = 6) ou captopril (HDMC,n = 5) por 12 semanas provocou reduçoes na albuminúria (Ualb) que se correlacionaram com as reduçoes nos níveis da pressao arterial (PA) no HDMH, mas nao no HDMC. No HDMH, houve queda no fluxo plasmático renal (FPR) (p < O,O5) e no ritmo de filtraçao glomerular (RFG) (p < O,01), enquanto a fraçao de filtraçao (FF) permaneceu inalterada. No grupo HDMC, alteraçoes na hemodinâmica renal nao foram observadas. Em diabéticos normotensos com microalbuminúria, a administraçao de captopril (NDMC,n = 7) ou placebo (NDMP,n = 5) por 20 semanas nao alterou a PA ou a Ualb, embora no NDMC as taxas da Ualb se mantivessem sempre abaixo dos valores basais, o que nao ocorreu no NDMP. Os valores do FPR, RFG e FF nao se alteraram nos dois grupos. Assim, demonstramos um efeito antiproteinúrico do captopril, que, ao contrário do observado com hidroclortiazida, nao parece depender exclusivamente de sua açao antihipertensiva ou de alteraçoes na hemodinâmica renal.

Amelioration of diabetic microalbuminuria and lipid peroxidation by captopril

Administration of captopril, a scavenger of oxygen derived radicals as well as an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme, has been an efficient way of treating diabetic proteinuria. In the present study, we evaluate whether captopril can ameliorate diabetic proteinuria as an effect on oxidative stress in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats (STZR). At four weeks after the injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.v.), STZR (n = 5) exhibited microalbuminuria. The rate of urinary albumin excretion was 0.5 +/- 0.1 and 2.6 +/- 0.3 mg/24hr in age-matched control rats (CR; n = 5) and STZR, respectively. Compared to CR, STZR also showed an extremely increased rate of urinary lipid peroxides (LPO) excretion, an index of oxygen derived radicals generation. The respective values for CR and STZR were 0.6 +/- 0.3 and 6.9 +/- 0.6 mumol/24 hr. Significant amelioration of urinary albumin and LPO excretion rate by the treatment of insulin (2 U/day) suggests that these are associated with the diabetic state induced by streptozotocin rather than a direct effect of streptozotocin. Chronic administration of captopril, which did not cause any discernible effect on CR, significantly reduced the urinary albumin excretion rate and decreased LPO excretion in STZR. The urinary albumin excretion rate was significantly correlated with the LPO excretion rate (p = 0.0004). These results suggest that oxidative stress can be responsible for diabetic microalbuminuria, and captopril could diminish the lipid peroxidation and ameliorate the microalbuminuria in diabetic rats.

Prevención de la nefropatía diabética / Prevention of diabetic nephropathy

La microalbuminuria, excreción urinaria de albúmina sobre el nivel fisiológico, pero en menor cantidad que la albuminuria clínica, predice con bastante seguridad el desarrollo de nefropatía diabética en un plazo inferior a 10 años, especialmente en los pacientes insulinodependientes. Estudios recientes demuestran que la Angiotensina II al aumentar la resistencia de la arteriola eferente, eleva la presión hidrostática glomerular y favorece la aparición de microalbuminuria persistente. Terapias con inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de Angiotensina I a II reducen la presión hidrostática glomerular por dilatación de la arteriola eferente, disminuyendo la microalbuminuria debido a una menor fracción de filtración. De este modo, el uso de estas drogas (captopril y enalapril) podría prevenir o retardar la aparición de la nefropatía diabética franca y, por ende, de la insuficiencia renal.