As another lipid-lowering agent, 3-hydroxy-3-
methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors
(statins) were also reported to have beneficial effect
on diabetic nephropathy [29–31]. Usui et al. reported
that statin inhibited the progression of diabetic
nephropathy in streptozotosin-induced rats, and this
effect might depend on anti-inflammation and antioxidation
[31]. The difference of renoprotective
mechanisms and potential between probucol and
statins is unclear. Probably, progression of diabetic
nephropathy might be affected by not only oxidative
stress but also abnormality of lipid metabolism. We
speculate that antioxidative effect in probucol might
be stronger than those in statins, although the potential
of normalization of lipid metabolism is more powerful
in statin than probucol. In the present study, probucol
extends the interval to initiation of hemodialysis
therapy. However, there has been no report that
patients administered statins were followed until
initiation of hemodialysis therapy. If renoprotective
potential of statins is equal to that of probucol, the
same effect could be expected in statins. We consider
that combination therapy of probucol and statin might
expect additional renoprotective effect. Further investigations
are required regarding the renoprotective
effect of probucol and statins.