Evaluating the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on DKK-3 serum for third-stage chronic kidney patients

Abstract

Vitamin D3 helps to reduce oxidative stress levels, as does Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) glycoprotein, which is released in the kidney’s tubular membrane during stress and helps promote tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The aim is to investigate how vitamin D supplementation affects serum DKK-3 levels and biochemical indicators of renal function in CKD patients in stage III. The study had inclusion criteria for 180 participants of both sexes, aged between 20 and 35 years. They were divided into 3 groups: 60 healthy participants as control, 60 CKD patients in stage III (without vitamin D3 supplements), and 60 others (with three months of 5,000 IU of weekly vitamin D3 supplements). DKK-3 levels in serum, vitamin D3, and parathyroid hormone were examined, and kidney function was tested. Findings indicated a significant increase in levels of DKK-3 serum for patients in the 2 and 3 groups with CKD compared with control. Additionally, outcomes revealed significantly lower DKK-3 (41%) in the third group of patients who took vitamin D compared to the second group (120%) without vitamin D supplements. There was also an improvement in several kidney functions for the third group, and the relationships revealed a significant inverse association between the levels of vitamin D3 and serum DKK3. Also, there is a significant inverse association with urea and creatinine levels; additionally, there is a significant positive association with glomerular filtration rate and calcium. In conclusion, DKK-3 may be a potential biomarker for the development of CKD. Furthermore, vitamin D administration improved kidney function and DKK-3 levels in individuals with stage III CKD. As a result, vitamin D can assist in reducing the development of chronic kidney disease.