The new adipokine zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) as a link between adipose tissue and kidney?

20.07.2019

Łukasz A. Woźny, Małgorzata Morawiecka-Pietrzak, Majka Jaszczura, Katarzyna Ziora, Władysław Grzeszczak

Abstract
Adipose tissue is currently considered not only as an energy store but also as an organ of internal secretion. Numerous adipocytokines regulating a number of human body processes are important in many disease processes, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nowa-days, the role of zinc a2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is being sought as a potential link between these two organs. ZAG, through its lipolytic effect, contributes to progressive malnutrition in patients undergoing dialysis, and this significantly increases their mortality. It seems that ZAG may be a new potential biomarker of kidney damage, and the specific pharmacotherapy will significantly reduce the progressive process of cachexia. (Endokrynol Pol 2019; 70 (2): 179–189)

keywords: ZAG (zinc-a2-glycoprotein); malnutrition; adipose tissue; chronic kidney disease

Full publication in Endokrynologia Polska »