Abstract
Zinc is important. It is the second most abundant trace metal with 2-4 grams in humans. It is an essential trace element, critical for cell growth, development and differentiation, DNA synthesis, RNA transcription, cell division, and cell activation. Zinc deficiency has adverse consequences during embryogenesis and early childhood development, particularly on immune functioning. It is essential in members of all enzyme classes, including over 300 signaling molecules and transcription factors. Free zinc in immune and tumor cells is regulated by 14 distinct zinc importers (ZIP) and transporters (ZNT1-8). Zinc depletion induces cell death via apoptosis (or necrosis if apoptotic pathways are blocked) while sufficient zinc levels allows maintenance of autophagy. Cancer cells have upregulated zinc importers, and frequently increased zinc levels, which allow them to survive. Based on this novel synthesis, approaches which locally regulate zinc levels to promote survival of immune cells and/or induce tumor apoptosis are in order.
Highlights
We review the current studies surrounding zinc, and propose that zinc has a spectrum of effects on cell death and survival, where zinc depletion induces cell death via apoptosis while sufficient zinc levels allows maintenance of cell survival pathways such as autophagy and regulation of reactive oxygen species
Quantifying human zinc to identify deficiency and preventing zinc toxicity is an ongoing challenge [29]. These findings suggest a role for zinc in immune cell homeostasis in vivo [30,31]
Summary Significant disorders of great public health interest are associated with zinc deficiency
Summary
Bao S, Liu MJ, Lee B, Besecker B, Lai JP, Guttridge DC, Knoell DL: Zinc modulates the innate immune response in vivo to polymicrobial sepsis through regulation of NF-kappaB. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2010, 298(6):L744-54. Prasad AS, Bao B, Beck FW, Sarkar FH: Correction of interleukin-2 gene expression by in vitro zinc addition to mononuclear cells from zincdeficient human subjects: a specific test for zinc deficiency in humans. Krezel A, Maret W: Zinc-buffering capacity of a eukaryotic cell at physiological pZn. J Biol Inorg Chem 2006, 11(8):1049-62. Haase H, Rink L: The immune system and the impact of zinc during aging.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
