Zinc deficiency in chronic kidney disease: is there a relationship with adipose tissue and atherosclerosis?

Julie Calixto Lobo1, João Paulo Machado Torres, Denis Fouque

  • 1Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Health Science Centre, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Insights

Zinc deficiency may significantly impact atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and obese patients. Further research into zinc

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
  • CKD patients exhibit traditional and nontraditional risk factors for atherosclerosis, including inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • Obesity shares similarities with CKD regarding atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the functions of zinc (Zn).
  • To explore the role of zinc in atherosclerosis.
  • To emphasize zinc's impact on obese patients with CKD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review.
  • Synthesis of existing research on zinc, atherosclerosis, CKD, and obesity.

Main Results:

  • Zinc plays a crucial role in biological processes.
  • Zinc depletion is implicated in the progression of atherosclerosis.
  • The specific impact of zinc deficiency in CKD and obese populations requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Zinc's role in atherosclerosis is significant, particularly in complex patient groups.
  • Understanding zinc's influence is vital for managing cardiovascular risk in CKD and obese individuals.
  • Further studies are warranted to elucidate the clinical implications of zinc status in these populations.

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Diabetic Nephropathy01:28

Diabetic Nephropathy

Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
External Anatomy of the Kidney01:21

External Anatomy of the Kidney

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs in the human body that play a critical role in maintaining overall health. They filter out waste products from the blood, regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, and stimulate the production of red blood cells.
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...