Effects of prostaglandin E1 on the progression of aristolochic acid nephropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on the progression of aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN).


METHODS
Twenty-four patients diagnosed as AAN with serum creatinine (Scr) between 1.5 mg/dL and 4 mg/dL during September 2001 to August 2003 were randomly divided into 2 groups. All patients had ingested long dan xie gan wan containing aristolochic acid (0.219 mg/g) for at least 3 months. Twelve patients were injected with Alprostadil (10 microg/d for 10 days in one month, summing up to 6 months). Except for PGE1, the other therapy was same in both groups. Renal function was assessed using reciprocal serum creatinine levels (1/Scr).


RESULTS
The level of Scr an d serum hemoglobin (Hgb) was similar in both groups prior to therapy. During follow-up, 1/Scr levels in PGE1 group were significantly higher than control group (P < 0.01), and Hgb levels in PGE1 group were significantly increased compared with control (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
PGE1 can slow the progression of renal failure and increase Hgb level of AAN patient.
Sun
Dong
D
Department of Nephropathy, the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001. sundgf@163.com
Feng
Jiang-min
JM
Zhao
Yan-ling
YL
Jin
Tao
T
Wang
Li-ning
LN
D000328:Adult; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D034341:Aristolochic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009395:Nephritis, Interstitial / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D034341:Aristolochic Acids; D006454:Hemoglobins; D003404:Creatinine; D000527:Alprostadil