Novel Treatments in Diabetic Nephropathy

Usha      Panchapakesan; Carol      Pollock

Abstract

Although there have been major advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy, targeted therapy that reduces the socioeconomic and personal burden of this disease is somewhat lacking. The incidence of diabetes and associated nephropathy is increasing with the main cause of mortality being related to cardiovascular causes. Novel therapies which are both “cardio-renal” protective seem the logical way forward. In this review we discuss the therapies that target the traditional renin angiotensin aldosterone pathway and highlight the need for newer pharmacological strategies that also offer cardiac and renal protection. Although not discussed at length in this review, the need for primary prevention by modifying lifestyle factors cannot be underestimated.

Keywords: Antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, novel treatments, kidney injury, nephropathy

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