Inhibition of renin activity slows down the progression of HIV-associated nephropathy.

In the present study, we evaluated the effect of inhibition of renin activity (aliskiren) on the progression of renal lesions in two different mouse models (Vpr and Tg26) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). In protocol A, Vpr mice were fed either water (C-VprA) or doxycycline [Doxy (D-VprA)] in their drinking water for 6 wk. In protocols B and C, Vpr mice received either normal saline (C-VprB/C), Doxy + normal saline (D-VprB/C), or Doxy + aliskiren (AD-VprB/C) for 6 wk (protocol B) or 12 wk (protocol C).

Heme oxygenase-1 modulates mesangial cell proliferation by p21 Waf1 upregulation.

Mesangial cell (MC) proliferation is a hallmark of many progressive renal diseases. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been shown to have an anti-proliferative effect on vascular smooth muscle cells. In the present study, we evaluated the role of HO-1 on MC proliferation and the involved molecular mechanism.