Effect of chronic oral zinc administration on serum-prolactin level in chronic renal failure patients

ABSTRACT

Hyperprolactinaemia and low serum zinc levels are common findings in chronic renal failure patients. In this study, fourteen chronic renal failure men on chronic haemodialysis were given 400 mg zinc sulphate [equivalent to 5 mEq zinc] per day for four months. Serum prolactin and zinc levels were measured before and after oral zinc administration. Statistical analysis of the results revealed a highly significant decrease [P < 0.001] in serum prolactin level after zinc administration [20.01 +/- 1 6 vs 31.74 +/- 2.61 ng/ml]. On the other hand, a highly significant increase [P < 0.001] in serum zinc level was found after zinc administration [16.96 +/- 0.86 vs 10.03 +/- 0.47 mEq/L]. Also, a marked improvement in sexual function was found. So, chronic oral zinc administration may be important in the treatment at hyperprolactinaemia in chronic renal failure men with its sequele as impotence, diminished libido, gynaecomastia and infertility since zinc may play an important role in inhibition of prolactin secretion by pituitary lactotrophes. On conclusion, this study suggests that chronic zinc administration in chronic renal failure patients may be of importance in treatment of hyperprolactinaemia with its sequele of sexual dysfunctoin as diminished libido, impotence. gynaecomastia and infertility