title: Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition reduces proteinuria in renal patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Renoprotection is predicted by the antiproteinuric efficacy of a pharmacological agent. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) interfering non-selectively in the prostaglandin system have strong antiproteinuric potency without reduction of systemic blood pressure. The effect of the selective COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib in proteinuric patients is unknown, granted recently reported detrimental effects in non-renal patients. Short-term effects of rofecoxib on proteinuria and blood pressure as compared to NSAID and RAAS blockade were studied.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen stable patients [mean proteinuria 4.4 g/ day; MAP 103 mmHg)] were included after a wash-out period. Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg QD was given throughout. Additional blood pressure control was ensured by non-RAAS blocking antihypertensive agents. Patients received rofecoxib 25 mg QD, 50 mg QD and indomethacin 75 mg BID in randomized order for 4 weeks. Thereafter, a subset of the included patients (n = 11) received lisinopril 40 mg QD for 6 weeks preceded by a wash-out period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Rofecoxib exerted a dose-dependent antiproteinuric effect. As compared to rofecoxib 25 and 50 mg, indomethacin was more effective [-18, -28 versus -49% (n = 16; P < 0.05)]. As compared to rofecoxib 50 mg, lisinopril was more effective [-21 versus -51% (n = 11; P < 0.05)]. No significant blood pressure changes were observed after rofecoxib and indomethacin, whereas lisinopril had a significant antihypertensive effect.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Selective COX-2 inhibition reduces proteinuria without reduction of systemic blood pressure, pointing towards a specific renal effect, and may serve as a novel non-hypotensive adjunct antiproteinuric treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Groningen University Medical Centre, University of Groningen,The Netherlands. liffertvogt@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Liffert
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.forename: Dick
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: de Zeeuw
authors.forename: Arend Jan J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Woittiez
authors.forename: Gerjan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Navis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D007783:Lactones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017706:Lisinopril / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013450:Sulfones / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D007783:Lactones; D013450:Sulfones; C116926:rofecoxib; D017706:Lisinopril; D007213:Indomethacin