Effects of lanthanum carbonate and calcium carbonate on fibroblast growth factor 23 and hepcidin levels in chronic hemodialysis patients

Background Phosphate binders have an impact on fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23); however, the effect of phosphate binders on serum hepcidin has not been explored. We conducted a 24-week multicenter randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of lanthanum carbonate or calcium carbonate monotherapy on serum phosphate, FGF23, and hepcidin levels in chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods Forty-six patients were recruited, and daily dietary phosphorus was controlled between 600–800 mg. Serum calcium, phosphate, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), FGF23, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), hepcidin, high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH) 2 D, fetuin-A, and osteopontin were checked as scheduled. Results Twenty - five patients completed the study. Mean serum FGF23 level was significantly decreased after a 24-week treatment with lanthanum (8677.5 ± 7490.0 vs. 4692.8 ± 5348.3 pg/mL, p = 0.013, n = 13), but not with calcium ( n = 12). The reduction of serum hepcidin in lanthanum group was positively correlated with the decrement of serum phosphate ( r = 0.631, p = 0.021) and serum hsCRP ( r = 0.670, p = 0.012) levels, respectively. Serum ALP, iPTH, vitamin D, fetuin-A, and osteopontin revealed no significant inter- or intragroup differences. Conclusions In summary, a decrease in serum FGF23 levels and a trend of decline in hepcidin levels were observed only in lanthanum group.