The emerging role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of patients with IgA nephropathy.
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), the most common primary glomerulonephritis in the world, affects mostly young adults, and shows a widely variable clinical course with many patients developing progressive renal disease, culminating in terminal renal failure in 20% to 40% of those afflicted. Until recently, no treatment options have been available for IgAN. Although a cure for the disease remains elusive, drugs that slow disease progression are becoming available, including omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids. The largest long-term clinical trial evaluating n-3 fatty acids in high-risk patients with IgAN showed that early and prolonged treatment with n-3 fatty acids retards renal progression. The rationale for using these fats involves potential mechanisms that reduce renal inflammation and glomerulosclerosis, hallmarks of progressive disease.
Donadio
J V
JV
Mayo Nephrology Collaborative Group, Mayo Clinic & Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood*; D018450:Disease Progression; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; D003404:Creatinine