The exclusion criteria were as follows: A)Nephrotic syndrome, B)coronary heart disease (patients with ischemic ST-T alterations and voltage criteria for LVH on electrocardiogram, and with history of revascularization or myocardial infarction), C) elevated liver enzymes (AST or ALT levels ≥ 40U/L) and D) renal failure (serum creatinine levels > 1.3 mg/dl). In order to evaluate the effect of RAS blockade on plasma TWEAK and PTX3 concentrations, patients with proteinuria were given an AII receptor blocker (Valsartan 160 mg), calcium channel blocker (Amlodipine 10 mg) and combine drug (Valsartan 160 mg + Amlodipine 10 mg) for 12 weeks. The effect of RAS blockade on insulin sensitivity and proteinuria was also investigated.