Low-protein diets and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in progressive renal failure.

Both protein restriction and administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been reported to slow the progression of chronic renal failure. Protein intake conditions the activity of the renin-angiotensin system and the renal production and excretion in the urine of eicosanoids. Both dietary protein restriction and ACE inhibitors decrease proteinuria. The effects of ACE inhibitors on the progression of renal disease may be due to hemodynamic effects (lowering of systemic or intraglomerular pressures) or to decreased activity of growth factors as a result of blockade or angiotensin II production.