Endothelin Receptor Antagonism in Proteinuric Nephropathy

Overview

The number of people with kidney problems is increasing rapidly, related in part to the increasing prevalence of diabetes. Patients with kidney problems tend to have protein leaking into the urine (proteinuria). Both proteinuria and the kidney disease itself are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Reducing proteinuria is an important treatment goal in people with kidney problems. Endothelin is a chemical produced both by blood vessels and the kidney. Higher than normal levels of endothelin are thought to contribute to progression of kidney disease and proteinuria. By using drugs that block the effects of endothelin ('endothelin receptor antagonists') we can hopefully reduce both of these. The purpose of the study is to ascertain whether endothelin receptor antagonists improve kidney function and reduce proteinuria more so than other commonly used drugs.

Response to ETA Receptor Antagonism/Nifedipine/Placebo Prior to the study visit subjects will be asked to refrain from alcohol for 24 hours. Tea and coffee will not be permitted for at least 12 hours before each visit. Studies will be conducted in a quiet, temperature-controlled room. On arrival at the Clinical Research Centre on the study day, a brief medical enquiry and examination will confirm the ongoing suitability of the subject for the study. An intravenous cannula will be inserted into the antecubital fossa of each arm. We have developed a basic protocol described fully in our previous studies that allows us to measure systemic haemodynamics by the well validated technique of bioimpedance and renal function by standard para-aminohippurate (PAH; renal blood flow) and inulin (glomerular filtration rate) clearance studies. Urinary protein excretion will be measured by collecting urine over 30 minute time periods. To ascertain the contribution of renal haemodynamics to any change in protein excretion renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate will be measured. In addition, blood and urine will also be assayed for sodium, creatinine and osmolality to allow calculation of fractional excretion of sodium and free water clearance. Systemic haemodynamic monitoring will be performed at 15 minute intervals during drug/placebo administration and at 30 minute intervals outwith these periods.