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Abstract: FR-PO236

The Effect of Oral Carnosine Supplementation on Urinary TGF-Beta in Diabetic Nephropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Session Information

Category: Diabetic Kidney Disease

  • 602 Diabetic Kidney Disease: Clinical

Authors

  • Siriwattanasit, Narongrit Pao, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Satirapoj, Bancha, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Tasanavipas, Pamila, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Varothai, Narittaya, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Chaiprasert, Amnart, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Nata, Naowanit, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Tangwonglert, Theerasak, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Supasyndh, Ouppatham, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
Background

Activation of TGF-beta pathway is a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Carnosine is an amino acid that can inhibit TGF-beta synthesis. We tested the hypothesis that carnosine supplement added to a standard therapy will result in a reduction in urinary TGF-beta levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

We randomly assigned 40 patients with diabetic nephropathy and albuminuria 30-299 mg/day to treatment with carnosine (2 g/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Urinary TGF-beta level by a solid-phase specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), urine albumin by immunonephelometric assay, renal function and metabolic profiles were determined at baseline and during 12 weeks of active treatment. Primary outcome was the decrease in the level of urinary levels of TGF-beta.

Results

The two groups were comparable for baseline characteristics, blood pressure, urine albumin, urine TGF-beta and renal function measurements. Urinary TGF-beta significantly decreased with carnosine supplement (-17.8% of the baseline values), whereas it tended to increase with placebo (+16.9% of the baseline values) (between-group difference P < 0.05). Whereas, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes and other biochemical parameters did not change during the study period including urinary albuminuria. The both groups were well tolerated with no serious side-effects.

Conclusion

These data indicate an additional renoprotective effect of oral supplementation with carnosine for decreasing urinary TGF-beta level that is marker of renal injury in diabetic nephropathy.

Funding

  • Government Support - Non-U.S.