Renoprotective Effects of Combined Aliskiren and Valsartan in Progressive Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

Renin angiotensin system plays a major role in the pathology of progressive Diabetic Nephropathy. In the present study, the renoprotective effects of low dose combined novel direct renin inhibitor-aliskiren and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB)-valsartan were estimated and compared with monotherapy in wistar rats. Rats were divided into 5 groups: control, diabetic control, diabetic rats treated with aliskiren (10 mg/kg/day), valsartan (20 mg/kg/day) and combination of aliskiren and valsartan (5 mg/kg/day, 10mg/kg/day respectively). Clinical characteristics like proteinuria, serum creatinine and renal histopathological studies like glomerulosclrotic index, tubulointerstitial fibrosis were estimated and compared between all diabetic rats. Results showed that combination therapy of aliskiren and valsartan was more effective than the monotherapy in progressive diabetic nephropathy.