Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Kidney Diseases: The Impact of Lifestyle Modification

Abstract

Background: The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) is complex and bidirectional. However, the etiological role of MetS in CKDs is less clear. Objective: To assess the impact of the MetS on the kidney function using new renal biomarkers, and to study the effect of lifestyle modification by following a balanced hypocaloric diet and increasing physical activity. Subjects and Methods: Eighty seven obese women were enrolled in this study. The MetS criteria were studied which included from 0 to 5 components. Lifestyle changes were performed for eight weeks by following a low caloric balanced diet, and increasing their physical activity. Renal biomarkers were estimated before and after intervention. Results: About 65.5% of the obese volunteers were suffering from MetS, about 37% of them were complaining of renal symptoms. Higher consumption rate of high caloric diet and lower consumption rate of protein, vegetables and fruits were detected among obese metabolic patients compared to obese control. Improvement of all the MetS criteria and the biochemical renal markers were detected after intervention. Conclusion: The MetS raises the risk of CKDs. A change in the lifestyle, by including a low calorie healthy diet and increasing physical activity is necessary. Cystatin C/ Beta-trace protein (Cys-C/ BTP) proved to be good promising biomarkers for detection of early changes in renal functions and defining better tools for prevention, early diagnosis and follow up.