Chronic glomerular diseases are one of the main causes leading to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Hypertension and proteinuria are two modifiable factors promoting the progression of ESRD. Podocyte are terminally differentiated epithelial cells and play a central role in the progression of chronic kidney disease and in the development of glomerulosclerosis. The presence of podocyte in urines (podocyturia) has been documented by several teams with continuous and regular podocyturia during glomerular disease. This facts suggests that podocyturia could become a marker of podocyte loss and glomerular damage. In our university hospital, we developed a technique to evaluate the number of microparticles (cellular fragments) in different biologic samples.

The podocytary origin of microparticles will be determinated thanks to specific antibodies. The aim of the present study is: i) to quantify podocyturia during glomerular nephropathies by dosing podocyte microparticles ii) to study the relationship between podocyturia and other biologic markers such as proteinuria iii) to evaluate the effect of angiotensine 2 blockage on podocyturia. This is an open-labelled randomized monocenter cross-over study.

Twenty subjects with hypertension and glomerular nephropathy characterized by proteinuria and a normal or slightly altered renal function will be included. Patients will be treated successively by an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), losartan and by a thiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, (after a wash out period). We will study the impact of these two therapies on podocyturia. Results will be compared with others markers like proteinuria (and its selectivity). We may finally dispose of a non invasive urinary marker of podocyte lesions responsible for glomerulosclerosis and for ESRD progression.

Moreover mechanism of nephroprotection of the ARB may be more comprehensive.