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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
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.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular complications caused by an accelerated atherosclerotic disease consist the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These patients present multiple atherosclerotic risk factors, considered traditional, as well as nontraditional risk factors such as inflammation and oxidative stress. These complications are also seen in obesity, in which endothelial dysfunction is one of the early stages of atherosclerosis. The impact of trace metal deficiencies on this process is not well studied in patients with CKD and in obese people, although the influence of trace elements depletion, particularly zinc (Zn), may have significant clinical implications. This brief review describes the functions of Zn as well as the respective role of this trace element in atherosclerosis processes, with a particular emphasis on obese patients with chronic kidney disease.
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