Effects of a diet rich in N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on systemic inflammation in renal transplant recipients.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation reduces systemic inflammation and improves renal and cardiovascular prognosis in kidney transplant recipients. However, patient compliance is poor because bad-tasting fish oils are used as an n-3 PUFA source. Therefore, we explored whether the beneficial effects of n-3 can be obtained by administering a diet based on n-3-rich foods.

METHODS:

Sixty kidney transplant recipients were assigned to 2 different groups: the CON group (n = 28), which continued with their usual diet, and the DIET group (n = 32), which followed an n-3-rich diet for 6 months. Twenty-six patients in the DIET group and 24 in the CON group completed the study. End points of the study were changes in n-3 PUFAs intake, n-6:n-3 PUFAs ratio, systemic inflammation markers, and renal function during the 6 months of the dietary treatment.

RESULTS:

Three and 6 months after the beginning of the study, n-3 PUFA intake was significantly higher and the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio was markedly lower than baseline in the DIET group. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and interleukin (IL)-6 decreased as well. IL-6 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were also lower than at the beginning of the study. Proteinuria and microalbuminuria were reduced by 50% with respect to the baseline, whereas glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was unchanged. No change in the aforementioned parameters was observed in the CON group throughout the study.

CONCLUSION:

In long-term kidney transplant recipients a naturally n-3 PUFA-rich dietary plan causes an increase in n-3 PUFA intake, decreases systemic inflammation and proteinuria, and improves plasma lipid pattern.

• Authors: Massimo Sabbatini, Luca Apicella, Mauro Cataldi, Immacolata Maresca, Annamaria Nastasi, Sossio Vitale, Bruno Memoli, Loredana Postiglione, Eleonora Riccio, Riccardo Gallo, Stefano Federico, Bruna Guida
• Journal: Journal of the American College of Nutrition (J Am Coll Nutr) Vol. 32 Issue 6 Pg. 375-83 ( 2013) ISSN: 1541-1087 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24606710 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Interleukin-6
• Lipids
• C-Reactive Protein

Topics

• Adult
• Biomarkers (blood)
• C-Reactive Protein (metabolism)
• Diet
• Fatty Acids, Unsaturated (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Inflammation (diet therapy, drug therapy)
• Interleukin-6 (blood)
• Kidney Transplantation
• Lipids (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prognosis
• Treatment Outcome