title: Biochemical effects of irbesartan in experimental diabetic nephropathy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common causes of end-stage renal failure. The pathogenesis of progressive renal damage is multifactorial and the mechanism by which hyperglycemia causes microangiopathy in diabetic glomeruli is still poorly understood. Because the renin angiotensin system has been reported to be an important contributory factor in the pathophysiology of DN, exogenous administration of angiotensin II receptor antagonist may be beneficial in counteracting some biochemical or functional changes of DN.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the preventive role of irbesartan in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN in rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  STZ-induced DN in rats was assessed biochemically by measuring urine volume, protein and electrolytes as well as blood urea and creatinine clearance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Marked hyperglycemia, polyuria, proteinuria and uremia along with a reduction in urine electrolytes and creatinine clearance were observed in STZ diabetic rats. Pre-treatment with irbesartan (20 mg/kg, p.o. 5 days prior to STZ and continued for 16 weeks) also significantly altered these parameters towards normal, except blood glucose.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pre-treatment with insulin reversed the parameters of DN. The data suggest that irbesartan prevents the development of STZ-induced DN in rats.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Pt. BD Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Science, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: Richa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vaishya
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Harbans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lal
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