Recent advances in the treatment of renal diseases with nebivolol: A literature review

Reactive oxygen species play an important role in both acute and chronic kidney diseases. Chronic kidney disease is associated with various consequences to the cardiovascular system and metabolic profiles. Nebivolol, a highly cardioselective third-generation β-blocker, has nitric oxide (NO) induced vasodilation and antioxidant properties. Nebivolol affects the endothelial NO pathway in two complementary ways: it increases endothelial mediated NO expression and has antioxidant action, which leads to a decrease in degradation. Central blood pressure can be effectively lowered by nebivolol in the prehypertension phase. Clinically nebivolol's ability to modulate endothelial dysfunction may offer additional vascular protection in treating hypertension. As well, pre-treatment with 5 mg nebivolol every 24 hours for 4 days is protective against nephrotoxic effects of contrast media. The aim of this study is to review the current literature on the efficacy and safety of nebivolol in the treatment of various states of renal diseases.