The impact of zinc supplementation on galectin-3 and metabolic markers in diabetic patients on hemodialysis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose There is little information about the association between zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) supplementation and metabolic profiles in zinc-deficient diabetic patients on hemodialysis (DHPs). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between ZnSO4 supplementation and serum levels of galectin-3 (Gal-3) and cardiometabolic parameters in zinc-deficient DHPs. Methods In the present randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 46 zinc-deficient DHPs (35–62 years) were included and assigned to receive either 220 mg/d ZnSO4 or placebo for 8 weeks. Serum levels of Gal-3, lipid profile, and blood pressure (BP) were assessed at baseline and the end of trial. Results We found a significant effect of ZnSO4 intake on the reduction of serum Gal-3 ( P = < 0.001), triglycerides ( P = < 0.001), total cholesterol ( P = < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P = < 0.001) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P = < 0.001) as compared to the control group. Additionally, systolic blood pressure (SBP) ( P = 0.006) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ( P = 0.01) were significantly reduced following 8 weeks of ZnSO4 supplementation. Conclusion Taken together, 220 mg ZnSO4 supplementation per day for 8 weeks among zinc-deficient DHPs had beneficial effects on Gal-3 and metabolic profiles. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier IRCT20191217045765N1, date of registration: 2020–02-09.