It is known that the concentrations of essential fatty acids and their metabolites including eicosanoids, free radicals and anti-oxidants are altered in glomerular disorders. Both corticosteroids and n-3 fatty acids--eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA respectively)--are useful in the management of glomerular disorders. In the present study, the altered plasma concentrations of lipid peroxides, nitric oxide and the metabolites of essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants--superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and vitamin E--in the RBC membranes of patients with glomerular disorders (nephrotic syndrome) reverted to normalcy following corticosteroids or EPA/DHA administration. This suggests that the beneficial actions of corticosteroids and EPA/DHA in glomerular disorders can be attributed to their action on the pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant concentrations and metabolism of essential fatty acids.
Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.