Abstract
The importance of Zn for optimal functioning of the immune system and antioxidant stress response is well documented. Zn homeostasis influences development and function of immune cells, activity of stress-related and antioxidant proteins [metallothioneins (MT), chaperones, ApoJ, Poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and Methionione Sulfoxide Reductase (Msr), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)], and helps to maintain genomic integrity and stability. During ageing, the intake of Zn decreases due to inadequate diet and/or intestinal malabsorption, contributing to frailty, general disability and increased incidence of age-related degenerative diseases (cancer, infections and atherosclerosis). Although many factors contributing to Zn deficiency have been identified, the biochemical markers of Zn deficiency as well as the possibility to achieve relevant health benefits through Zn supplementation in the elderly are still a matter for evaluation. Taking into account that Zn homeostasis is regulated by proteins and enzymes for which polymorphisms have been previously found to be associated with successful/unsuccessful ageing, genetic screening might be of added value in evaluating the individual response to Zn supplementation. Biochemical, immunological, dietary and genetic studies aimed at understanding the impact of Zn in healthy ageing, the effect of Zn supplementation in the elderly and finally formulating a rationale for the promotion of correct Zn supplementation were discussed at the international Zincage conference held in Ancona in January 2007.
Highlights
Cell-mediated immune dysfunction and increased oxidative stress are common in elderly subjects and it is quite clear that dietary habits including Zn consumption have a great impact on these factors
Individual differences in the response to Zn can lead to contradictory results even with supplementation trials performed in elderly people of the same age-groups
Recent results obtained with Zn supplementation in elderly subjects are encouraging
Summary
The influence of genetic factors on the immune system was investigated by Erminia Mariani (Istituti Ortopedici Rizzoli, Italy) through the assessment of NK activity and the levels of a pool of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in elderly subjects [28] before and after Zn supplementation She reported a general increase of NK cell cytotoxicity after Zn supplementation independent of the country of origin but with differences related to IL-6-174 and MT1A +647 polymorphisms. The relationship between "Zn status" and psycho-social conditions, especially in countries with the highest propensity towards age-related Zn deficiency [34], was illustrated by Fiorella Marcellini (INRCA-Italian National Research Centres on Aging, Italy) She observed a slight but beneficial effect of Zn supplementation on cognitive functions of elderly subjects supplemented with Zn. Taking into account that most of these elderly subjects carried specific alleles for IL-6-174 and MT1A +647 polymorphisms, these results further confirm that the response to Zn intake/supplementation can be affected by the genetic background of each individual
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