Zinc Deficiency: A Potential Hidden Driver of the Detrimental Cycle of Chronic Kidney Disease and Hypertension

Abstract

Globally, over 103 million individuals are afflicted by chronic kidney disease (CKD), a silent killer claiming the lives of 1.2 million people annually. CKD is characterized by 5 progressive stages, in which dialysis and kidney transplant are life-saving routes for patients with end-stage kidney failure. While kidney damage impairs kidney function and derails blood pressure regulation, uncontrolled hypertension accelerates the development and progression of CKD. Zinc (Zn) deficiency has emerged as a potential hidden driver within this detrimental cycle of CKD and hypertension. This review article will 1) highlight mechanisms of Zn procurement and trafficking, 2) provide evidence that urinary Zn wasting can fuel Zn deficiency in CKD, 3) discuss how Zn deficiency can accelerate the progression of hypertension and kidney damage in CKD, and 4) consider Zn supplementation as an exit strategy with the potential to rectify the course of hypertension and CKD progression.