Aliskiren, a novel renin inhibitor, is renoprotective in a model of advanced diabetic nephropathy in rats

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis: Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with either ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocker is a key therapeutic strategy in slowing progression of diabetic nephropathy. Interruption of the RAS may also be achieved by blocking the activity of renin, the rate-limiting step in angiotensin II biosynthesis. However, it is not known whether drugs in this class also reduce the structural and functional manifestations of diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Using diabetic transgenic (mRen-2)27 rats, a rodent model of advanced diabetic nephropathy, we compared the efficacy of the renin inhibitor, aliskiren (10 mg kg-1 day-1 by osmotic mini-pump), with the ACE inhibitor, peri..