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BioFactors (Oxford, England) 2010Zinc is essential for normal brain development. Gestational severe zinc deficiency can lead to overt fetal brain malformations. Although not teratogenic, suboptimal zinc... (Review)
Review
Zinc is essential for normal brain development. Gestational severe zinc deficiency can lead to overt fetal brain malformations. Although not teratogenic, suboptimal zinc nutrition during gestation can have long-term effects on the offspring's nervous system. This article will review current knowledge on the role of zinc in modulating neurogenesis and neuronal apoptosis as well as the proposed underlying mechanisms. A decrease in neuronal zinc causes cell cycle arrest, which in part involves a deregulation of select signals (ERK1/2, p53, and NF-kappaB). Zinc deficiency also induces apoptotic neuronal death through the intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway, which can be triggered by the activation of the zinc-regulated enzyme caspase-3, and as a consequence of abnormal regulation of prosurvival signals (ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB). Alterations in the finely tuned processes of neurogenesis, neuronal migration, differentiation, and apoptosis, which involve the developmental shaping of the nervous system, could have a long-term impact on brain health. Zinc deficiency during gestation, even at the marginal levels observed in human populations, could increase the risk for behavioral/neurological disorders in infancy, adolescence, and adulthood.
Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Humans; Models, Biological; NF-kappa B; Neurons; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Zinc
PubMed: 20333753
DOI: 10.1002/biof.91 -
Acta Biomaterialia Apr 2018The search for biodegradable metals with mechanical properties equal or higher to those of currently used permanent biomaterials, such as stainless steels, cobalt... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
The search for biodegradable metals with mechanical properties equal or higher to those of currently used permanent biomaterials, such as stainless steels, cobalt chromium and titanium alloys, desirable in vivo degradation rate and uniform corrosion is still an open challenge. Magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn)-based alloys have been proposed as biodegradable metals for medical applications. Over the last two decades, extensive research has been done on Mg and Fe. Fe-based alloys show appropriate mechanical properties, but their degradation rate is an order of magnitude below the benchmark value. In comparison, alongside the insufficient mechanical performance of most of its alloys, Mg degradation rate has proven to be too high in a physiological environment and corrosion is rarely uniform. During the last few years, Zn alloys have been explored by the biomedical community as potential materials for bioabsorbable vascular stents due to their tolerable corrosion rates and tunable mechanical properties. This review summarizes recent progress made in developing Zn alloys for vascular stenting application. Novel Zn alloys are discussed regarding their microstructural characteristics, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and in vivo performance.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Numerous studies on magnesium and iron materials have been reported to date, in an effort to formulate bioabsorbable stents with tailorable mechanical characteristics and corrosion behavior. Crucial concerns regarding poor ductility and remarkably rapid corrosion of magnesium, and very slow degradation of iron, seem to be still not desirably fulfilled. Zinc was introduced as a potential implant material in 2013 due to its promising biodegradability and biocompatibility. Since then, extensive investigations have been made toward development of zinc alloys that meet clinical benchmarks for vascular scaffolding. This review critically surveys the zinc alloys developed since 2013 from metallurgical and biodegradation points of view. Microstructural features, mechanical, corrosion and in vivo performances of these new alloys are thoroughly reviewed and evaluated.
Topics: Absorbable Implants; Alloys; Animals; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Humans; Stents; Zinc
PubMed: 29530821
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.03.005 -
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Apr 2023Respiratory diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. An imbalance of zinc, an essential trace element, is associated with a variety of lung... (Review)
Review
Respiratory diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. An imbalance of zinc, an essential trace element, is associated with a variety of lung diseases. We reviewed and summarized recent research (human subjects, animal studies, in vitro studies) on zinc in respiratory diseases to explore the protective mechanism of zinc from the perspective of regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and apoptosis. In the lungs, zinc has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects; can inhibit cancer cell migration; can regulate lipid metabolism and immune cells; and exerts other protective effects. Our comprehensive evaluation highlights the clinical and experimental effects of zinc in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases. Our analysis also provides insight into the clinical application of zinc-targeted therapy for respiratory diseases.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Zinc; Oxidative Stress; Antioxidants; Trace Elements; Respiratory Tract Diseases
PubMed: 35982216
DOI: 10.1038/s41430-022-01191-6 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2017The cellular constitution of Zn-proteins and Zn-dependent signaling depend on the capacity of Zn to find specific binding sites in the face of a plethora of other high... (Review)
Review
The cellular constitution of Zn-proteins and Zn-dependent signaling depend on the capacity of Zn to find specific binding sites in the face of a plethora of other high affinity ligands. The most prominent of these is metallothionein (MT). It serves as a storage site for Zn under various conditions, and has chemical properties that support a dynamic role for MT in zinc trafficking. Consistent with these characteristics, changing the availability of zinc for cells and tissues causes rapid alteration of zinc bound to MT. Nevertheless, zinc trafficking occurs in metallothionein-null animals and cells, hypothetically making use of proteomic binding sites to mediate the intracellular movements of zinc. Like metallothionein, the proteome contains a large concentration of proteins that strongly coordinate zinc. In this environment, Zn may be of little significance. Instead, this review sets forth the basis for the hypothesis that components of the proteome and MT jointly provide the platform for zinc trafficking.
Topics: Animals; Carrier Proteins; Humans; Ligands; Metallothionein; Protein Transport; Proteome; Proteomics; Zinc
PubMed: 28629147
DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061289 -
Nutrients Dec 2015Zinc is a key element for growth and development. In this narrative review, we focus on the role of dietary zinc in early life (including embryo, fetus and preterm... (Review)
Review
Zinc is a key element for growth and development. In this narrative review, we focus on the role of dietary zinc in early life (including embryo, fetus and preterm neonate), analyzing consequences of zinc deficiency and adequacy of current recommendations on dietary zinc. We performed a systematic search of articles on the role of zinc in early life. We selected and analyzed 81 studies. Results of this analysis showed that preservation of zinc balance is of critical importance for the avoidance of possible consequences of low zinc levels on pre- and post-natal life. Insufficient quantities of zinc during embryogenesis may influence the final phenotype of all organs. Maternal zinc restriction during pregnancy influences fetal growth, while adequate zinc supplementation during pregnancy may result in a reduction of the risk of preterm birth. Preterm neonates are at particular risk to develop zinc deficiency due to a combination of different factors: (i) low body stores due to reduced time for placental transfer of zinc; (ii) increased endogenous losses; and (iii) marginal intake. Early diagnosis of zinc deficiency, through the measurement of serum zinc concentrations, may be essential to avoid severe prenatal and postnatal consequences in these patients. Typical clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency are growth impairment and dermatitis. Increasing data suggest that moderate zinc deficiency may have significant subclinical effects, increasing the risk of several complications typical of preterm neonates (i.e., necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease, and retinopathy), and that current recommended intakes should be revised to meet zinc requirements of extremely preterm neonates. Future studies evaluating the adequacy of current recommendations are advocated.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Female; Fetal Development; Fetus; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Zinc
PubMed: 26690476
DOI: 10.3390/nu7125542 -
BMJ Open Jun 2014Zinc deficiency is widespread, and preventive supplementation may have benefits in young children. Effects for children over 5 years of age, and effects when... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Zinc deficiency is widespread, and preventive supplementation may have benefits in young children. Effects for children over 5 years of age, and effects when coadministered with other micronutrients are uncertain. These are obstacles to scale-up. This review seeks to determine if preventive supplementation reduces mortality and morbidity for children aged 6 months to 12 years.
DESIGN
Systematic review conducted with the Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group. Two reviewers independently assessed studies. Meta-analyses were performed for mortality, illness and side effects.
DATA SOURCES
We searched multiple databases, including CENTRAL and MEDLINE in January 2013. Authors were contacted for missing information.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Randomised trials of preventive zinc supplementation. Hospitalised children and children with chronic diseases were excluded.
RESULTS
80 randomised trials with 205 401 participants were included. There was a small but non-significant effect on all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.95 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.05)). Supplementation may reduce incidence of all-cause diarrhoea (RR 0.87 (0.85 to 0.89)), but there was evidence of reporting bias. There was no evidence of an effect of incidence or prevalence of respiratory infections or malaria. There was moderate quality evidence of a very small effect on linear growth (standardised mean difference 0.09 (0.06 to 0.13)) and an increase in vomiting (RR 1.29 (1.14 to 1.46)). There was no evidence of an effect on iron status. Comparing zinc with and without iron cosupplementation and direct comparisons of zinc plus iron versus zinc administered alone favoured cointervention for some outcomes and zinc alone for other outcomes. Effects may be larger for children over 1 year of age, but most differences were not significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Benefits of preventive zinc supplementation may outweigh any potentially adverse effects in areas where risk of zinc deficiency is high. Further research should determine optimal intervention characteristics and delivery strategies.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Deficiency Diseases; Dietary Supplements; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Iron; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Zinc
PubMed: 24948745
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-004647 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2020The search for anticancer metal-based drugs alternative to platinum derivatives could not exclude zinc derivatives due to the importance of this metal for the correct... (Review)
Review
The search for anticancer metal-based drugs alternative to platinum derivatives could not exclude zinc derivatives due to the importance of this metal for the correct functioning of the human body. Zinc, the second most abundant trace element in the human body, is one of the most important micro-elements essential for human physiology. Its ubiquity in thousands of proteins and enzymes is related to its chemical features, in particular its lack of redox activity and its ability to support different coordination geometries and to promote fast ligands exchange. Analogously to other trace elements, the impairment of its homeostasis can lead to various diseases and in some cases can be also related to cancer development. However, in addition to its physiological role, zinc can have beneficial therapeutic and preventive effects on infectious diseases and, compared to other metal-based drugs, Zn(II) complexes generally exert lower toxicity and offer few side effects. Zinc derivatives have been proposed as antitumor agents and, among the great number of zinc coordination complexes which have been described so far, this review focuses on the design, synthesis and biological studies of zinc complexes comprising N-donor ligands and that have been reported within the last five years.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Coordination Complexes; Drug Design; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; Ligands; Molecular Structure; Nitrogen; Organometallic Compounds; Schiff Bases; Zinc
PubMed: 33317158
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245814 -
Inflammopharmacology Feb 2021The nutritional status of a patient can be critical for the efficacy of other pharmaceuticals, especially organic antibiotics, to treat viral pandemics. There may be... (Review)
Review
The nutritional status of a patient can be critical for the efficacy of other pharmaceuticals, especially organic antibiotics, to treat viral pandemics. There may be political and scientific difficulties in achieving a constructive synergy of nutritional and prescribed allopathic remedies. For adequate treatment, timelines may need to extend well beyond eliminating viral proliferation, e.g., with vaccines, to include the goals of (a) reducing post-viral fatigue, (b) promoting earliest recovery, and (c) future resistance in often poorly nourished patients, e.g., obese (!). Many trace minerals (TM) and vitamins may need to be replenished. This review focusses only upon zinc to illustrate some problems in rectifying these TM deficiencies affecting the balance between continued ill-health ('illth') or regaining optimal physical and mental wellbeing. Ultimately, this is a matter of behaviour, lifestyle, and informed choice(s). See Hetzel and McMichael 1959.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Nutritional Status; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Zinc; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 33196946
DOI: 10.1007/s10787-020-00774-8 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2021Human zinc deficiency is a global public health problem. Many African soils are zinc deficient (ZnD), indicating fertilizers could increase crop yields and grain Zn...
Human zinc deficiency is a global public health problem. Many African soils are zinc deficient (ZnD), indicating fertilizers could increase crop yields and grain Zn levels, thereby increasing Zn in the food supply and alleviating human Zn deficiency. To analyze associations among soil Zn, human Zn deficiency, and child nutritional status, we combined the Ethiopian soil Zn map and the Ethiopian National Micronutrient Survey (ENMS). ENMS provides representative, georeferenced data on child nutritional status using anthropometry of children under five years old (CU5) and on human Zn deficiency among CU5 and women of reproductive age (WRA) using the recommended biomarker, serum Zn. ZnD soils mostly occur in lower altitudes, which are less populated and outside the main crop-producing areas. Serum Zn deficiencies were high, and correlated to soil Zn for children, but not for WRA. About 4 million Ethiopian CU5 are ZnD, and, of these, about 1.5 million live on low-Zn soils (< 2.5 mg/kg), while 0.3 million live on ZnD soils (< 1.5 mg/kg). Therefore, if Zn fertilizers are only applied on ZnD soils, their impact on child Zn deficiency may be limited. Greater impact is possible if Zn fertilizers are applied to soils with sufficient Zn for plant growth and if this results in increased grain Zn. Optimal soil Zn levels for plant and human nutrition may be different, and context-specific optimal levels for the latter must be determined to develop nutrition-sensitive fertilizer policies and recommendations.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Crops, Agricultural; Deficiency Diseases; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Status; Soil; Young Adult; Zinc
PubMed: 33888842
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88304-6 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria 2012Nutrition is the basis of human physiological processes. Inadequate nutrition can lead to dysfunction in the metabolic chain links. One of the most important... (Review)
Review
Nutrition is the basis of human physiological processes. Inadequate nutrition can lead to dysfunction in the metabolic chain links. One of the most important micronutrients is zinc, as evidenced by its wide range of carriers in the body. Zinc intake has a large margin in the current world population, may be 7 mg/d in the UK, reaching 15 mg/d in the U.S., although of course, the RDA's are set according to age, sex , physiological status (pregnancy, lactation, etc..), or disease. It is known that zinc is essential for the structure and function as well as DNA and enzymes, coenzymes, hormones and so on. Life is short, zinc, since the most rapidly absorbed and is transferred to tanks where it is stored, so the amount available zinc in the blood cannot be the amount "real". In this work we have done a mini-review of the passage of zinc by the body trying since their intake to their tour of the blood in both healthy and sick people.
Topics: Adult; Aging; Female; Humans; Micronutrients; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy; Zinc
PubMed: 23114932
DOI: 10.3305/nh.2012.27.3.5697