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Zinc metabolism in uremia
The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine
|November 1, 1979
Summary
Chronic renal failure patients exhibit abnormal zinc metabolism, with lower zinc levels in plasma, leukocytes, and hair. These zinc abnormalities occur before dialysis initiation.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Human Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Subnormal plasma zinc levels are noted in uremic patients.
- Detailed studies on zinc status in uremia are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate zinc status in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF).
- To compare zinc levels and related biochemical markers in CRF patients versus controls.
Main Methods:
- Assessed zinc concentrations in plasma, leukocytes, and hair.
- Measured plasma ammonia and ribonuclease activity.
- Included patients undergoing hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and nondialyzed azotemic patients.
Main Results:
- CRF patients showed significantly lower zinc concentrations in plasma, leukocytes, and hair compared to controls.
- Elevated plasma ammonia and ribonuclease activity were observed in CRF patients.
- Erythrocyte zinc concentration was elevated in CRF patients, potentially linked to ineffective erythropoiesis.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal zinc metabolism is common in chronic renal failure patients.
- Zinc abnormalities in uremia develop before the initiation of dialysis treatment.