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Flaxseed: a potential treatment for lupus nephritis
W F Clark1, A Parbtani, M W Huff
1Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Kidney International
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Flaxseed supplementation, particularly 30 g daily, improved kidney function and reduced inflammation and atherogenic factors in lupus nephritis patients. This dietary intervention showed significant benefits for managing lupus nephritis complications.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Lupus nephritis is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid (anti-atherogenic) and lignans (PAF-receptor antagonists).
- Previous studies in MRL/lpr lupus mice suggested flaxseed's therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of varying flaxseed doses on lupus nephritis patients.
- To assess flaxseed's impact on renal function, inflammatory markers, and atherogenic factors.
Main Methods:
- A sequential dosing study involving nine lupus nephritis patients.
- Patients received 15, 30, and 45 g of flaxseed daily over four-week intervals, followed by a washout period.
- Assessments included compliance, disease activity, blood pressure, lipids, rheology, platelet aggregation, renal function, and immunology.
Main Results:
- Good compliance was observed at 15 and 30 g doses, indicated by serum alpha-linolenic acid levels.
- Significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and blood viscosity were noted at 30 g and 45 g doses.
- Flaxseed intake improved renal function (decreased serum creatinine, increased creatinine clearance, reduced proteinuria) and elevated Complement C3 levels.
Conclusions:
- Daily intake of 30 g flaxseed was well-tolerated and beneficial for lupus nephritis patients.
- Flaxseed demonstrated positive effects on renal function, inflammation, and atherogenic mechanisms relevant to lupus nephritis pathogenesis.