Effects of S-methylmethionine (vitamin U) on experimental nephrotic hyperlipidemia.

The effects of S-methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC, vitamin U) on aminonucleoside-induced nephrotic hyperlipidemia in rats were investigated. We found that repeated oral administration of MMSC (dose: daily 1000 mg/kg) exhibited significant amelioration of plasma chloresterol and phospholipids levels. Also, the treatment improved nephrotic syndrome itself by producing an increase of urinary volume and a decrease of urinary protein excretion. The results suggest that MMSC may be useful as single or combined therapy for human nephrotic syndrome and its related hyperlipidemia as a safety drug.