Int J Med Sci 2013; 10(1):79-89. doi:10.7150/ijms.5291 This issue Cite

Research Paper

Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Plasma Copper/Zinc Ratios, Oxidative Stress, and Immunological Status in Hemodialysis Patients

Chih-Hung Guo1, Chia-Liang Wang2✉

1. Micro-Nutrition Lab, Institute of Biomedical Nutrition, Hung Kuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan, Republic of China;
2. Department of Nephrology, Kuang-Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan, Republic of China.

Citation:
Guo CH, Wang CL. Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Plasma Copper/Zinc Ratios, Oxidative Stress, and Immunological Status in Hemodialysis Patients. Int J Med Sci 2013; 10(1):79-89. doi:10.7150/ijms.5291. https://www.medsci.org/v10p0079.htm
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Abstract

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have low plasma levels of zinc (Zn), high plasma levels of copper (Cu), and exhibit increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune abnormalities. We evaluated the effects of Zn supplementation on abnormal plasma Cu/Zn ratios and clinical outcomes in HD patients.

Design and Methods: Patients on long-term HD with lower than normal plasma concentrations of Zn (< 80 mg/dL) were randomized to receive daily oral Zn supplements (n = 40) or no supplements (n = 25) for eight weeks. Age- and sex-matched healthy individuals served as a control group (n = 38). A number of clinical parameters were measured before and after the supplementation period.

Results: Compared with healthy subjects, patients had significantly elevated plasma Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios, as well as higher levels of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Patients who received Zn supplements for eight weeks had higher plasma concentrations of Zn and lower concentrations of Cu, along with reduced Cu/Zn ratios, oxidative stress status, and inflammatory responses compared to patients who did not receive Zn. Patients receiving Zn also showed significantly higher percentages of CD4 and CD19 lymphocytes, and elevated CD4/CD8 ratios.

Conclusions: Zn supplementation ameliorates abnormally high plasma Cu/Zn ratios and may reduce oxidative stress, improve inflammatory status, and maintain immune function in patients undergoing long-term HD.

Keywords: zinc supplement, copper/zinc ratios, oxidative stress, inflammation, immune function, hemodialysis patients.


Citation styles

APA
Guo, C.H., Wang, C.L. (2013). Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Plasma Copper/Zinc Ratios, Oxidative Stress, and Immunological Status in Hemodialysis Patients. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 10(1), 79-89. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.5291.

ACS
Guo, C.H.; Wang, C.L. Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Plasma Copper/Zinc Ratios, Oxidative Stress, and Immunological Status in Hemodialysis Patients. Int. J. Med. Sci. 2013, 10 (1), 79-89. DOI: 10.7150/ijms.5291.

NLM
Guo CH, Wang CL. Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Plasma Copper/Zinc Ratios, Oxidative Stress, and Immunological Status in Hemodialysis Patients. Int J Med Sci 2013; 10(1):79-89. doi:10.7150/ijms.5291. https://www.medsci.org/v10p0079.htm

CSE
Guo CH, Wang CL. 2013. Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Plasma Copper/Zinc Ratios, Oxidative Stress, and Immunological Status in Hemodialysis Patients. Int J Med Sci. 10(1):79-89.

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