NEPHROTIC SYNDROME AND PROTEIN-METABOLISM

The adult protein turn-over daily affects 250 grammes, which is equiva lent to four times the average daily protein intake. Regulation of syn thesis and catabolism appears to occur by independant ways. These syst ems are altered during the nephrotic syndrome and ultimately lead to a loss of total body nitrogen and a risk for malnutrition. Indeed, duri ng the nephrotic syndrome, muscle protein synthesis is further impaire d as the urinary protein losses increase. This may suggest that anabol ic compounds are lost in the urine of such patients. A moderate protei n restriction (0.8 g/kg BW/day) allows a reduction in proteinuria,as w ell as pharmacological agents (ACE inhibitors) and should therefore sl ow the progressive renal insult.