The effect of pancreatic elastase on diabetic nephropathy

Pancreatic elastase has been shown to inhibit the thickening of glomerular basement membranes in experimental diabetic animals. We explored the clinical significance of the prolonged administration of pancreatic elastase on diabetic nephropathy, in patients whose blood glucose levels and blood pressure were controlled. Pancreatic elastase was administered for 12 months. Body weight levels, blood glucose levels, HbA1c values and blood pressure remained unchanged. Administration of 10,800 U of pancreatic elastase caused a significant decrease in albuminuria (before administration, 512.4 +/- 79.8 mg/g creatinine vs. 12 months after administration, 284.1 +/- 61.9 mg/g creatinine, P < 0.01, n = 28). In the contrast group (n = 18), no significant changes in albuminuria were observed after administration of 300 mg of dilazep dihydrochloride. Serum levels of creatinine and urinary levels of NAG and beta 2 MG were not affected by pancreatic elastase. The present study indicates a significant inhibitory effect of pancreatic elastase on increased albuminuria in diabetic patients.