aliskiren and Glomerulosclerosis--Focal-Segmental

In the present study, we evaluated the effect of inhibition of renin activity (aliskiren) on the progression of renal lesions in two different mouse models (Vpr and Tg26) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). In protocol A, Vpr mice were fed either water (C-VprA) or doxycycline [Doxy (D-VprA)] in their drinking water for 6 wk. In protocols B and C, Vpr mice received either normal saline (C-VprB/C), Doxy + normal saline (D-VprB/C), or Doxy + aliskiren (AD-VprB/C) for 6 wk (protocol B) or 12 wk (protocol C). In protocols D and E, Vpr mice were fed Doxy for 6 wk followed by kidney biopsy. Subsequently, half of the mice were administered either normal saline (D-VprD/E) or aliskiren (AD-VprD/E) for 4 wk (protocol D) or 8 (protocol E) wk. All D-VprA mice showed renal lesions in the form of focal segmental glomerular sclerosis and dilatation of tubules. In protocols B and C, aliskiren diminished both progression of renal lesions and proteinuria. In protocol C, aliskiren also diminished (P < 0.01) the rise in blood urea. In all groups, Doxy-treated mice displayed increased serum ANG I levels (the product of plasma renin activity); on the other hand, all aliskiren-treated mice displayed diminished serum ANG I levels. Renal tissues of D-VprC displayed increased ANG II content; however, aliskiren attenuated renal tissue ANG II production in AD-VprC. In protocol D, AD-VprD showed a 24.2% increase in the number of sclerosed glomeruli compared with 139.2% increase in sclerosed glomeruli in D-VprD (P < 0.01) from their baseline. The attenuating effect of aliskiren on the progression of renal lesions continued in AD-VprE. Aliskiren also diminished blood pressure, proteinuria, and progression of renal lesions in Tg26 mice. These findings indicate that inhibition of renin activity has a potential to slow down the progression of HIVAN.

Topics: AIDS-Associated Nephropathy; Amides; Animals; Biopsy; Disease Progression; Doxycycline; Fumarates; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental; Kidney; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Renin; Renin-Angiotensin System

Recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) after renal transplantation with nephrotic syndrome is a serious problem with a high risk of graft loss. The therapeutic role of renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) blockers in recurrent FSGS is not clear. We present the safety and efficacy of an intensified triple RAS blockade with an ACE-inhibitor, an AT 1 receptor blocker and the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren in a 29-year-old renal transplant recipient with biopsy proven recurrence of FSGS and relapsing severe nephrotic syndrome. We subsequently used full dose ramipril, candesartan and aliskiren under a close monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes and examined the effect on proteinuria, clinical course and tolerability over 12 months. We found a significant and sustained antiproteinuric effect under triple RAS blockade. RAS blockade was generally well tolerated. This can offer a new therapeutic approach in selected hypertensive patients with recurrent FSGS.

Topics: Adult; Amides; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Benzimidazoles; Biphenyl Compounds; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fumarates; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental; Humans; Hypertension, Renal; Kidney Transplantation; Nephrotic Syndrome; Plasma Exchange; Proteinuria; Ramipril; Recurrence; Renin; Renin-Angiotensin System; Rituximab; Tetrazoles