Direct renin inhibitor aliskiren in surgical treatment of nephrolithiasis
Research objective: The study investigates the antifibrotic nephroprotective effects of aliskiren on the condition of renal hemodynamics, changes of profibrotic cytokines level and markers of renal damage in patients with nephrolithiasis undergone various types of surgery. Materials and methods: Patients have been divided into 2 groups. The investigations have been performed before the surgery and in a month period. Concentrations of TGF-p, markers of acute renal tubulointerstitial damage — NGAL and p2-microglobulin in urine, levels of ET-1 in serum and indicator of endothelial dysfunction have been determined. Assessment of renal blood flow state by Doppler ultrasonography has been carried out in the same terms. Results: As a result of aliskiren treatment the decrease of mediators of tubulointerstitial damage and nephrofibrosis, significant improvement in renal blood flow in a month period after the surgery have been marked in comparison with the group which had not received nephroprotective therapy. Conclusion: Direct renin inhibitor aliskiren may be used as a means of renal protection therapy in treatment of patients with nephrolithiasis.