Effects of a polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich diet on serum lipids in patients with chronic renal failure.

An abnormal level of serum lipids may be one of the major risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). In the present study, the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich and low carbohydrate diet on serum lipids and HDL-cholesterol was studied in 6 nonnephrotic and nondialyzed patients with CRF on an isocaloric basis. Serum triglycerides decreased significantly from 2.08 +/- 0.93 mmol/l (183 +/- 82 mg/dl) to 1.49 +/- 0.83 mmol/l (131 +/- 73 mg/dl) by consumption of polyunsaturated diet (p less than 0.01). The 'HDL-cholesterol ratio' increased significantly and LCAT decreased on a polyunsaturated diet. In conclusion, the consumption of a polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich diet tends to normalise increased serum triglycerides and lowered 'HDL-cholesterol ratio' in patients with CRF and may be effective for prevention of atherosclerotic vascular sequellae.