Optimalization of Nephroprotection Using N-Acetylcysteine

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in the progression of chronic kidney diseases (CKD), and inhibition of the RAAS with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB) may retard CKD progression. Dual pharmacological blockade of the RAAS with ACEI and ARB is recommended as a standard renoprotective management at least in patients with nondiabetic proteinuric CKD. However, neither ACEI nor ARB, even in high doses or in concomitant usage, abrogate the progression of CKD completely. Innovative approaches are needed to keep patients with CKD off dialysis. Additional antioxidant (N-acetylcysteine) may prove to be such beneficial therapeutic concept. To shed more light on this issue, we performed a randomised open controlled study to evaluate the influence of triple N-acetylcysteine and RAAS therapy on surrogate markers of kidney injury, i.e. proteinuria, markers of tubular involvement and kidney fibrosis.