Reports outline proteinuria animal studies study findings from F. Nakhoul and colleagues

   "The proteinuria and effects of eplerenone alone or combined with enalapril on nephrin/podocin abundance in rats with NS have not yet been studied. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the early (beginning 2 days before NS induction) and late (beginning 2 wk after NS induction) effects of eplerenone and enalapril, alone or combined, on proteinuria and nephrin/podocin abundance in rats with adriamycin-induced NS. Adriamycin caused a significant increase in daily protein excretion (U(pr)V; from 26.96 ±3.43 to 958.57 ±56.7 mg/day, p<0.001) and cumulative proteinuria [from 900.33 ±135.5 to 22,490.62 ±931.26 mg (p <0.001)] during 6 wk. Early treatment with enalapril significantly decreased U(pr)V from 958.6 ±56.7 to 600.31 ±65.13 mg/day (p <0.001) and cumulative proteinuria to 12,842.37 ±1,798.17 mg/6 wk (p <0.001). Similarly, early treatment with eplerenone produced a profound antiproteinuric effect: U(pr)V decreased from 958.57 ±56.7 to 593.38 ±21.83 mg/day, p<0.001, and cumulative proteinuria to 16,601.84 ±1,334.31 mg/6 wk; p<0.001. An additive effect was obtained when enalapril and eplerenone were combined: U(pr)V decreased from 958.57 ±56.69 to 424.17 ±38.54 mg/day, p<0.001, and cumulative protein excretion declined to 10,252.88 ±1,011.3 mg/6 wk, p<0.001. These antiproteinuric effects were associated with substantial preservation of glomerular nephrin and podocin. In contrast, late treatment with either enalapril or eplerenone alone or combined mildly decreased U(pr)V and cumulative proteinuria. Thus pretreatment with eplerenone or enalapril is effective in reducing daily and cumulative protein excretion and preservation of nephrin/podocin," wrote F. Nakhoul and colleagues, .

   The researchers concluded: "More profound antiproteinuric effects were obtained when enalapril and eplerenone were combined."

   Nakhoul and colleagues published their study in American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology (Eplerenone potentiates the antiproteinuric effects of enalapril in experimental nephrotic syndrome. American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology, 2008;294(3):F628-37).

   For additional information, contact F. Nakhoul, Ambulatory Nephrology Unit, Rambam-Health Care Campus, Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 31096, Israel.

   Publisher contact information for the American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology is: American Physiological Society, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.

   Keywords: Israel, Haifa, Proteinuria Animal Studies, Adriamycin, Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitor, Antihypertensive, Drugs, Edema, Enalapril, Eplerenone, Experimental Nephrotic Syndrome, Kidney, Nephrology, Nephrotic Syndrome, Pharmaceuticals, Proteinuria, Renal Physiology, Therapy, Treatment.

   This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.

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