Zinc and Oxidative Stress: Current Mechanisms.

Dilina Marreiro,Jéssica Beserra,Jennifer Morais,Juliana Severo,Ana De Oliveira,Kyria Cruz

doi:10.3390/antiox6020024

Dilina Marreiro, Jéssica Beserra + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox6020024

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Journal: Antioxidants	Publication Date: Mar 29, 2017
Citations: 348	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Universidade Federal do Piauí

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a metabolic dysfunction that favors the oxidation of biomolecules, contributing to the oxidative damage of cells and tissues. This consequently contributes to the development of several chronic diseases. In particular, zinc is one of the most relevant minerals to human health, because of its antioxidant properties. This review aims to provide updated information about the mechanisms involved in the protective role of zinc against oxidative stress. Zinc acts as a co-factor for important enzymes involved in the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense system. In addition, zinc protects cells against oxidative damage, acts in the stabilization of membranes and inhibits the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH-Oxidase). Zinc also induces the synthesis of metallothioneins, which are proteins effective in reducing hydroxyl radicals and sequestering reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in stressful situations, such as in type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer. Literature provides strong evidence for the role of zinc in the protection against oxidative stress in several diseases.

Highlights

Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, due to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the reduction in the rate of its removal by the antioxidant defense system
Zinc acts as a co-factor for important enzymes that contribute to the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense system
Research has shown that zinc status may be altered under pathophysiological conditions, such as diseases characterized by elevated oxidative stress, which impairs the control of these diseases

Summary

Introduction

Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, due to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the reduction in the rate of its removal by the antioxidant defense system. Zinc acts as a co-factor for important enzymes that contribute to the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense system This mineral protects cells against oxidative damage because it acts in the stabilization of membranes, inhibits the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH-Oxidase), a pro-oxidant enzyme, and induces metallothionein synthesis. Antioxidants 2017, 6, 24 information on the mechanisms involved in the role of zinc in the protection against oxidative stress in chronic diseases This is a narrative review and a bibliographical survey of articles in the databases PubMed and Science Direct without limit for the year of publication, selected from August to September 2016.

Biochemical Aspects

Chronic Diseases

Conclusions