Renoprotective effects of ferric citrate in a mouse model of chronic kidney disease

Abstract

In chronic kidney disease, ferric citrate has been shown to be an effective phosphate binder and source of enteral iron; however, the effects of ferric citrate on the kidney have been less well-studied. Here, in Col4α3 knockout mice—a murine model of progressive chronic kidney disease, we evaluated the effects of five weeks of 1% ferric citrate dietary supplementation. As expected, ferric citrate lowered serum phosphate concentrations and increased serum iron levels in the Col4α3 knockout mice. Consistent with decreased enteral phosphate absorption and possibly improved iron status, ferric citrate greatly reduced circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 levels. Interestingly, ferric citrate also lessened systemic inflammation, improved kidney function, reduced albuminuria, and decreased kidney inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting renoprotective effects of ferric citrate in the setting of chronic kidney disease. The factors mediating possible ferric citrate renoprotection, the mechanisms by which they may act, and whether ferric citrate affects chronic kidney disease progression in humans deserves further study.

Iron Citrate (Synthesit) Supplementation During Pancreas Cancer Showed Surprising Results – Case Study

“…Notably, ferric citrate also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, improved kidney function, reduced albuminuria, and decreased kidney inflammation and fibrosis. These results suggest potential renoprotective effects of ferric citrate (29).…”

“…Additionally, the patient experienced decreased kidney efficiency in 2019. In cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD), ferric citrate has been shown to be an effective source of enteral iron (29). A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in CKD patients demonstrated that ferric citrate significantly improved iron status (30).…”

“…However, elevated FGF23 levels are associated with CKD progression (31). Given that both dietary phosphate absorption (32) and iron deficiency (33) potently stimulate FGF23 production, ferric citrate treatment targets both factors to lower circulating FGF23 levels (29).…”

Advances of Iron and Ferroptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease

“…Another consideration is the potential beneficial role of iron in mitigating kidney fibrosis, as indicated by a list of clinical 118 , 119 and animal researches. 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 These studies propose that iron might exert different effects on the pathogenesis of kidney diseases when introduced in a proper way. The cell type in which iron deposits also seems important.…”