The Relation Between Serum Zinc and Lupus Nephritis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting various organs including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain and heart...

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most common severe organ manifestations of SLE . LN is clinically evident in 50-60% of patients with SLE , and it is histologically evident in most SLE patients, even those without clinical manifestations of kidney disease.

LN is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in SLE patients, as up to 20% of patients progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The clinical manifestations of LN are variable, ranging from asymptomatic proteinuria to a myriad of manifestations associated with nephritic and nephrotic syndromes and ESRD.

Zinc is a vital micronutrient involved in numerous physiological processes including immune function, antioxidant defense, and cellular repair. It is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes and plays critical roles in DNA synthesis, protein production, and cell division. Zinc deficiency can impair immune function, increase oxidative stress, and hinder tissue repair, which are all relevant factors in autoimmune diseases like SLE, making its study in the context of LN particularly relevant.

However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and to develop evidence-based guidelines for zinc supplementation in lupus nephritis patients.