Related Experiment Videos
Investigational drugs for diabetic nephropathy
Monica Cortinovis1, Dario Cattaneo, Norberto Perico
1Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Department of Medicine and Transplantation, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Via Gavazzeni 11, 24125 Bergamo, Italy. gremuzzi@marionegri.it
Background:
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and is associated with elevated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Objective:
Current renoprotective treatments for diabetic nephropathy include strict glycemic and optimal blood pressure control, proteinuria/albuminuria reduction and the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blocking agents. However, the renoprotection provided by these treatments is only partial, calling for more effective approaches.
Methods:
This review examines emerging strategies for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, including aggressive RAAS blockade, statins, glitazones, ruboxistaurin, and other promising agents.
Results/Conclusions:
In diabetic patients with overt nephropathy, multipharmacological interventions represent a promising way to prevent progression to ESRD. Results of ongoing trials are needed to establish whether the current standard of care of diabetic nephropathy might be improved with these new strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Nephropathy
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Diabetic Retinopathy