[Neprilysin inhibition and chronic kidney disease]

Luca Di Lullo1, Claudio Ronco2, Antonio Bellasi3

  • 1UOC Nefrologia e Dialisi, Ospedale "L. Parodi"Delfino:, Colleferro, Roma, Italy.

Insights

Neprilysin inhibition, using sacubitril/valsartan, may improve cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This approach enhances natriuretic peptides and inhibits the RAAS, potentially benefiting those with heart failure and proteinuria.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face increased cardiovascular events and risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
  • Cardiovascular and renal complications are significant concerns in CKD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore neprilysin inhibition as a strategy to improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes in CKD.
  • To evaluate the potential benefits of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) in CKD patients, especially those with macroproteinuria.

Main Methods:

  • Inhibition of neprilysin increases natriuretic peptide bioavailability, promoting diuresis and natriuresis.
  • Simultaneous inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) may counteract adverse effects in CKD and heart failure (HF).
  • Investigating novel dual neprilysin and angiotensin II receptor blockers like sacubitril/valsartan.

Main Results:

  • Sacubitril/valsartan has demonstrated benefits in arterial hypertension and heart failure.
  • Previous neprilysin inhibitors were associated with angioedema, limiting their use.
  • LCZ696 combines neprilysin inhibition with angiotensin II receptor blockade.

Conclusions:

  • Neprilysin inhibition presents a potential therapeutic avenue for improving cardiovascular and renal outcomes in CKD.
  • Sacubitril/valsartan shows promise for CKD patients, particularly those with significant proteinuria.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of neprilysin inhibition in CKD management.

Related Concept Videos

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant01:25

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant

In patients with renal disease, dosage adjustments are necessary to maintain therapeutic plasma drug concentrations and prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic exposure. Renal impairment alters drug pharmacokinetics, especially in conditions like uremia, where changes such as prolonged elimination half-life and altered apparent volume of distribution can significantly affect drug disposition. These changes require careful modification of the dosing regimen to achieve the desired clinical...
255
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
503
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
363
Nephrons01:10

Nephrons

The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma...
7.5K
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments01:11

Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments

In patients with renal impairment, drugs undergo significant changes in their pharmacokinetics, which require dosage adjustments to ensure safe and effective therapy.
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
514
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
758