The purpose of this study is to study the effect of blocking the renin angiotensin system on urinary free light chain excretion as compared to urine microalbumin creatinine ratio in subjects with type 2 diabetes. The long term goal is to assess urinary free-light chains as a biomarker of earlier detection of kidney function impairment in subjects with diabetes mellitus.
Free light chains (FLCs) are low-molecular-mass molecules (kappa and lambda light chains), which are by-products of normal immunoglobulin synthesis and are normally excreted through the kidneys. Presence of light chains in the urine is a marker of tubular dysfunction. In patients with impaired kidney function, serum concentrations and urinary excretion of polyclonal FLCs have been noted to be increased. Increased excretion of FLCs and other low-molecular weight proteins \[cystatin C, NGAL\] in the urine may contribute to progression of chronic kidney disease. Higher Cystatin C has been demonstrated to be related to development of albuminuria. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipcalin (NGAL) excretion in the urine is a marker of tubular injury in the kidney and has been shown to be elevated in subjects with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (Ace Inh) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) class of drugs are renoprotective in nature and are the first line therapy for treatment of diabetic nephropathy. There is no longitudinal data evaluating the effect of Ace Inh and ARB class of drugs on urinary FLCs (UFLCs). Our hypothesis is that UFLCs are increased in patients with DM with and without kidney disease and that treatment with Ace Inh and/or ARB will decrease UFLCs in these patients. Additionally, we will explore the change in other low molecular weight proteins \[cystatin C, and NGAL\] in response to treatment with Ace Inh and ARB.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
28
In the washout period, the Ace Inh or ARB classes of medicine(s) that are part of the patient's antihypertensive regimen will be discontinued. The patient will be started on alternative therapy with medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of high blood pressure (such as amlodipine, hydralazine, terazosin or Hydrochlorothiazide) for control of their blood pressure.
Tulane University Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Change in Urine Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio
Kidney function will be assessed throughout the study to assess changes in function prior to the washout of ACE/ARB medication and reintroduction of the ACE/ARB medication.
Time frame: Visit 1 (Baseline), Visit 3 (Day 60)
Change in the Level of Urinary Free Light Chains
In relation to kidney function and washout/reintroduction of ACE/ARB medication the level of urinary free light chains will be assessed.
Time frame: Visit 1 (Baseline), Visit 3 (Day 60)
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