Abstract: To evaluate the renoprotective effects as reflected by shortterm changes in albuminuria and urinary level of transforming growth factorβ(TGFβ) of dual blockade of the reninangiotensin system (RAS) by an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB, valsartan) and an ACE inhibitor (ACEI, benazapril) in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Methods: A total of 60 patients with type 2 diabetes along with early nephropathy were divided into three groups, which were treated with the ARB valsartan 80 mg daily, the ACEI benazapril 10 mg daily or both ARB and ACEI daily. At the end of treatment, the albuminuria in 24h urinary , the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and the urinary TGFβ were measured. Results: After 12 weeks treatment, MAP of 3 groups significantly decreased compared with pretherapy, and the level of albuminuria and urinary TGFβin the group of dual blockade of the RAS by ACEI and ARB also significantly declined compared with the groups of monoblockade of the RAS by ACEI or ARB treatment alone. Changes in albuminuria did not correlate to changes in MAP. Conclusion: Dual blockade of the RAS provides superior shortterm renoprotection independent of systemic blood pressure changes in patients with type 2 diabetes with nephropathy.

Key words: Diabetic nephropathy, Benazapril, Valsartan, Renoprotection