Are vitamin D receptor agonists like angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors without side effects

Abstract

Vitamin D receptor agonists (VDRAs) inhibit the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and reduce podocyte loss and fibrosis over and above RAS blockade. Several studies in humans show that VDRAs are antiproteinuric and have the potential to delay the progression of renal disease. Whether VDRAs will accomplish this goal among proteinuric patients with chronic kidney disease needs to be tested in randomized controlled trials. © 2010 International Society of Nephrology.