ABSTRACT
It has long been known that diet affects kidney function. However, whether lipids and their metabolic products affect the development of kidney disease is still under investigation. Various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) serve as precursors for the production of eicosanoids (ECs), which are known to affect blood & ow and blood pressure in the kidney, platelet aggregation, and in& ammation. EC metabolism appears altered in a variety of renal pathophysiological states. Enhanced synthesis of certain ECs has been reported in various renal diseases and may delay further deterioration of kidney function, and the administration of such ECs often retards the development of or improves the disease. However, other ECs may contribute to renal disease as suggested by the improvement in renal function that occurs when inhibitors of these particular compounds are administered. Thus, the dietary PUFA intake may modulate some renal diseases, because the types of ECs produced are dependent on the quantity and composition of the dietary fatty acids. Indeed, a reduction in the progression of renal injury has been demonstrated in experimental animals given fatty acid precursors of ECs. Because certain ECs seem to promote renal injury, whereas others appear to protect the diseased kidney from further damage, the dietary signi, cance of these observations are not yet clear. Other, noneicosanoid-mediated effects of fatty acids that may be bene, cial or harmful to renal function include changes in blood rheological properties, membrane composition and function, and serum lipid concentrations.
