Zinc Administration Research Articles

The effects of local and intraperitoneal zinc treatments on maxillofacial fracture healing in rabbits

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether administration of topical and intraperitoneal zinc for maxillofacial fractures has any impact on the bone healing process. Material and methodThirty-two New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups of eight each. The first group was the control group; fracture lines were fixed using titanium microplates and no medication was administered. The second group received fixations using zinc-coated titanium microplates. A single dose of 3 mg/kg zinc was administered intraperitoneally to the third group following fixations with titanium microplates. A single dose of 3 mg/kg zinc was administered intraperitoneally to the fourth group following fixations with zinc-coated titanium microplates. Zinc coating on to the titanium microplates was achieved using the physical vapor deposition technique. A fracture line was created in the nasal bones of all subjects and fixed with five-hole flat microplates and three 5-mm micro screws. All work groups were sacrificed at the end of the sixth week. ResultsHistological examination showed that the number of osteoblasts were significantly higher in zinc-coated group (Group 2) than zinc uncoated, control group (Group 1), (415.6 ± 46.7 vs 366.3 ± 11.8) (p < 0.001). It was observed that intraperitoneal zinc treatment alone (Group 3) did not significantly increase in the osteoblast count compared to zinc un-coated group (Group 1), (390.6 ± 83.2 vs 366.3 ± 11.8), (p = 0.341). The immunoreactivity scores for IGF-1 were significantly higher in the zinc-coated group compared to control group (Group 2 vs 1), (9.3 ± 2.8 vs 3.7 ± 1.9) (p < 0.05). It was observed that intraperitoneal zinc treatment did not cause a significant difference in the aspect of IGF-1 for zinc-coated groups (Group 2 vs 4) (9.3 ± 2.8 vs 9.6 ± 2.2) (p = 0.791). The difference in the immunoreactivity score among whole groups for TGF-β was not statistically significant (Group 1 vs 2, 3.2 ± 1.7 vs 4.4 ± 2.3, p = 0.256; Group 1 vs 3, 3.2 ± 1.7 vs 3.8 ± 2.8, p = 0.524; Group 1 vs 4, 3.2 ± 1.7 vs 2.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.717; Group 2 vs 3, 4.4 ± 2.3, vs 3.8 ± 2.8, p = 0.610; Group 2 vs 4, 4.4 ± 2.3, vs 2.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.124; Group 3 vs 4, 3.8 ± 2.8, vs 2.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.311). ConclusionThe local use of titanium microplates coated with zinc by PVD technique was found effective for fracture healing. Zinc coating of titanium microplates used in fracture treatment can accelerate fracture healing. It may be concluded that clinical studies should be performed now in order to explore if comparable results can be achieved in humans.

Evaluation of a zinc chelate on clinical swine dysentery under field conditions

BackgroundBrachyspira hyodysenteriae is the primary cause of swine dysentery, characterized by bloody to mucoid diarrhea due to mucohaemorhagic colitis in pigs and primarily affects pigs during the grow/finishing stage. Control and prevention of B. hyodysenteriae consists of administration of antimicrobial drugs, besides management and adapted feeding strategies. A worldwide re-emergence of the disease has recently been reported with an increasing number of isolates demonstrating decreased susceptibility to several crucially important antimicrobials in the control of swine dysentery. A novel non-antibiotic zinc chelate has been reported to demonstrate positive effects on fecal quality and consistency, general clinical signs, average daily weight gain and B. hyodysenteriae excretion during and after a 6-day oral treatment. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the zinc chelate (Intra Dysovinol® 499 mg/ml (ID); Elanco) on naturally occurring swine dysentery due to B. hyodysenteriae under field conditions in the Netherlands.ResultsOral administration of zinc chelate resulted in improvement of general clinical signs from 3 days onwards in the ID-treated group combined with a significantly better total fecal score at 14 days post-treatment. Overall, average daily weight gain was better in the ID-treated group over the entire study period (0–14 days) and during the 8 days following the end of ID-treatment. A significant reduction (4.48 vs. 0.63 log10 cfu/g feces; ID-treated vs. control) in B. hyodysenteriae excretion was observed during the 6-day treatment period with a high percentage of animals (58.3 vs. 12.3%; ID-treated vs. control) with no excretion of B. hyodysenteriae from their feces. No additional antimicrobial treatment was needed in the ID-treated group, whereas 35% of the pigs in the control group were treated with an antibiotic at least once. No mortality occurred in both groups. No adverse events were reported during and following the ID-treatment.ConclusionsZinc chelate – administered as a Zn-Na2-EDTA complex – is a non-antibiotic treatment for swine dysentery that reduces B. hyodysenteriae shedding with 4.48 log10 cfu/g feces within its 6-day treatment while improving general clinical signs (90.0 vs. 73.6% animals with normal score) and total fecal score within 2–4 days following administration in naturally infected pigs. The positive effects of ID treatment remain for at least 8 days after cessation of oral ID therapy. Pigs remaining in a highly contaminated environment may be re-infected following the end of ID treatment, however, this is not different to standard antimicrobial therapy. Therefore, control of swine dysentery should combine an efficacious treatment with additional management practices to reduce the environmental infection pressure in order to limit re-infection as much as possible. The ID treatment resulted in a higher growth rate and improved general health, whereas no mortality was observed and no additional therapeutic treatments were necessary in contrast to the control pigs.

Serum Zinc level in Children with Febrile Seizure: A Case – Control Study

Febrile seizure (FS) is the most common type of seizure in children. FS is a genetic age-limited seizure, which only occurs with febrile illness. Today, it is known that genetic factors play a major role in the occurrence of FS. Nevertheless, some trace elements, such as zinc, may play an important role in the occurrence of FS. In this study, we investigated the serum level of zinc in patients with FS and febrile children without seizure (control group). This prospective case-control study was conducted on 41 patients with simple and complex FS as the case group and 41 febrile children without seizure as the age- and sex-matched control group. The participants were admitted to Best Hospital of Hamadan, Iran between January 2013 and January 2014 . The children's age ranged from six months to five years. Serum zinc levels were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy in these groups. The mean serum zinc levels were 70.41±20.46 and 92.73±17.62 mcg/dL in the case and control groups, respectively (P=0.001). The results showed that the serum zinc level in children with FS was significantly lower than that of the control group. Based on the present results, serum zinc level was lower in children with febrile seizure. However, further basic research is needed to examine the efficacy of zinc supplements in the prevention of FS.

Zinc alleviates maneb-induced kidney injury in adult mice through modulation of oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and histopathological changes.

Zinc is one of the important essential trace minerals to human health due to its antioxidant properties. The present study was conducted to elucidate its potential protective role against maneb-induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each. Mice of group I (negative controls) have received daily 0.5ml of distilled water, a solvent of maneb. Mice of group II (MB) have received 30mg/kg bw of maneb daily by intraperitoneal way. Mice of group III (MB + Zn) have received the same dose of maneb as group II, along with ZnSO4 (30mg/kg bw) daily. Mice of group IV (Zn), considered as positive controls, have received the same dose of ZnSO4 as group III daily. Our results revealed that ZnSO4 co-administration to maneb-treated mice decreased kidney levels of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, protein carbonyls, and advanced oxidation protein products; the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants like vitamin C, glutathione, and metallothionein. It recovered the alteration of antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and attenuated DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, this essential trace element was also able to alleviate kidney biomarkers' alterations by lowering plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase. In addition, the histopathological changes induced by maneb were improved following zinc administration. Our results indicated that zinc might be beneficial against maneb-induced renal oxidative damage in mice.

Zinc ameliorates lead toxicity by reducing body Pb burden and restoring Pb-induced haematological and biochemical derangements

Background:Studies on nutritional factors, including zinc in ameliorating the deleterious effects of potentially toxic elements have been scarce and the findings have been inconsistent.Aim:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ameliorative potential of zinc against lead-induced toxicity in rats.Materials and methods:Male albino rats (n = 24) assigned into four groups of six/group: normal control (NC), zinc control (ZnC; 20 mg/kg ZnCl2), lead control (PbC; 50 mg/kg PbCl2) and lead plus zinc (Pb + Zn; 50 mg/kg PbCl2plus 20 mg/kg ZnCl2), respectively were investigated. All administrations were through oral route and lasted for 42 days after which blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analyses using standard techniques.Results:Results showed that packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HBC), red blood cell count (RBC) were significant (p &lt; 0.05) reduced while total white blood cell count (TWBC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelets were significantly elevated in PbC group in comparison with NC and ZnC. Also liver and renal function parameters as well as the liver and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated while antioxidant enzymes; catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reduced in PbC group in comparison with NC and ZnC. Concentrations of lead were in the order: blood &gt; liver &gt; kidney in the PbC group. In addition to restoration of the altered parameters, administration of zinc in Pb + Zn group significantly reduced the raised lead concentrations in the plasma and organs.Conclusion:Reduction in body Pb burden and restoration of Pb-induced derangements in haematological and biochemical parameters by Zn strongly support the ameliorative property of Zn against Pb-induced toxicity.

Increased de novo glutathione production enhances sexual dysfunctions in rats subjected to paradoxical sleep deprivation.

Objective:Poor quality of sexual life has been reported secondary to poor sleep or sleep deprivation. Paradoxical sleep is an integral part of the sleep-wakefulness physiology and prolonged paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) may even be fatal. The objective of this investigation was to determine if D-ribose-L-cysteine (RibCys) and zinc (Zn) administration can attenuate the effect of PSD on the sexual function of male rats.Methods:Following acclimatization, 25 male rats were randomly distributed into five groups of 5 rats each. The PSD, PSD+RibCys, PSD+Zn, PSD+RibCys+Zn, and Control groups were sleep-deprived only, sleep-deprived and given 100mg/kg body-weight of pure RibCys, sleep-deprived and given 10mg/kg body weight Zn, sleep-deprived and given a combination of 100mg/kg of RibCys and 10mg/kg of Zn, and given distilled water without sleep deprivation, respectively. PSD lasted for 20 hours per day for 14 days. Subsequently, the sexual behavioral study was carried out and the animals were sacrificed for biochemical assays. Results:Analyses of results show that for animals treated with RibCys or Zn, all sexual parameters such as mount frequency and latency, intromission frequency and latency and ejaculation frequency and latency were significantly improved compared with animals subjected to PSD only. This improvement correlates strongly with serum glutathione (GHS) levels. Conclusion:In summary, riboceine increases circulating GHS, which leads to improved sexual function during sleep deprivation.

Influence of zinc administration on serum copper levels in hemodialysis patients

Influence of zinc administration on serum copper levels in hemodialysis patients

Comparison of Effectiveness of Nutrition and C-CRT on Improving Working Memory in Children With ADHD

Background Improving memory is an indicator of treatment in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Objective The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation Training (CCRT) , nutrition supplementation intervention, and both combined on the improvement of Working Memory (WM) in children with ADHD. Methods This was an experimental research with pre-test and post-test, follow-up and control group design. The statistical population included all of the elementary school girls of Tehran City, Iran. Using multilevel clustering, 66 children with ADHD were considered, of whom, 52 were selected for study participation and assigned into 4 experimental and control groups, each consisting of 13 individuals. SNAPIV and clinical interviews were employed to diagnose ADHD. The Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices was conducted to measure the participants’ intelligence level. The study participants were matched in age, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and the gravity of ADHD symptoms. In group one, 22 sessions of 45-minutes of CCRT were performed using Captain's Log software. The second group received zinc, vitamin B6, and omega-3 for 4 months. In the third group, the first phase of the administration of zinc, vitamin B6, and omega-3 supplements was performed; after 15 sessions, CCRT was performed and obtained by the N-back test. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance by SPSS. Findings The obtained results represented the increased mean score of the improvement of WM in the intervention groups, compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in WM score between the intervention groups. Conclusion CCRT and nutrition supplementation intervention improve WM in children with ADHD.

Effects of combined administration of calcium, iron, zinc, chrysanthemum flavonoids, and DMSA on the treatment of lead intoxication in mice.

The effect of combined administration of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), chrysanthemum flavonoids, and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) on the treatment of lead (Pb) intoxication in mice was studied. One hundred ninety female mice (SPF level, aged 18-22 days) were randomly divided into two groups as experimental animals. Mice in group I (10 mice) served as normal control animals, and were administered deionized water containing 12.5 μL/L acetate acid for 6 weeks, whereas mice in group II (180 mice) were exposed to 0.1% (wt/vol) of lead acetate in deionized water for 6 weeks and served as experimental animals. After 6 weeks of successful modeling, 180 mice from group II (lead-exposed) were divided into 18 groups of 10 mice each, 16 of which were treated by the combined administration of Ca, Fe, Zn, chrysanthemum flavonoids, and DMSA by L16 (215 ) orthogonal design. The remaining two groups were given treatment with low and high doses of DMSA, respectively. After three weeks of intervention (ig), the optimal treatment group was identified according to its blood lead level, as well as some antioxidant indices in the blood, liver, and hippocampus. The results indicated that the combined administration of Fe, Zn, chrysanthemum flavonoids, and DMSA with low dosage had the most significant effect on increasing the activities of blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), hepatic SOD and hippocampus nitric oxide synthase while decreasing the blood lead level, the content of hepatic malondialdehyde and hippocampus nitric oxide; this was considered the optimal treatment group. There was no difference in the level of blood hemoglobin between the optimal treatment group and the model control group (the first group of the orthogonal experiment). The activities of blood glutathione (GSH), hepatic GSH and glutathione peroxidase of the optimal treatment group were the same as other groups', and the recovery of the related indexes in the optimal effect group closely resembled the high dosage DMSA group. It can be concluded that the coadministration of Fe, Zn, and chrysanthemum flavonoids along with a low-dose DMSA effectively reduces Pb poisoning and lead-induced oxidative damage in lead-exposed mice; the result may provide a theoretical reference for the treatment of Pb poisoning.

Does Magnesium Deficient Diet and its Associated Metabolic Dysfunctions Induces Anxiety-like Symptoms. Further cardiovascular relevance

Zinc ions are considered to be one of the most abundant trace elements in the human body. Among many important functions, zinc ions regulate the function of numerous structural, transcriptional and enzymatic proteins that play important roles in the correct function of the central nervous system. Thus, in the present work we were interested in determining some preliminary relevance for the possible effect of acute zinc administration on the anxiety-like behavior. Our initial results described here are showing interesting biotechnological relevance for zinc in this anxiety-related context and also further theoretical developing on this area considering oxidative stress related mechanisms. Moreover, the cardiovascular relevance in both contexts of magnesium vs. cardiovascular effects or anxiety and its relations with the cardiovascular system are presented.

Novel Polymeric Nanocarriers Reduced Zinc and Doxycycline Toxicity in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

The objective was to evaluate the toxicity of zinc- and doxycycline-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. These NPs are composed of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid. NPs were loaded with doxycycline (D-NPs) and zinc (Zn-NPs) by chemical adsorption, and loading efficacy was demonstrated. Worm death rate in a concentration-response curve basis was calculated for lethality. Metabolism was evaluated through pharyngeal pumping assay. Body length measurements, brood size and egg lays were used to gauge growth, reproduction and fertility respectively. Intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels were determined to assess the reactive oxygen species production. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni were used for comparisons (p < 0.05). Tested NPs at the highest dosage did not affect lethality or worm metabolism, expressed in terms of death rate and pharyngeal pumping per minute, respectively. Zn-NPs slightly increased worm growth. The concentration of the intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels was the lowest in the D-NPs group. The distinct NPs and concentrations employed were shown to be non-toxic for in situ administration of zinc and doxycycline, reducing the harmful effects of these compounds.

Does Magnesium Deficient Diet and its Associated Metabolic Dysfunctions Induces Anxiety-like Symptoms. Further cardiovascular relevance

Zinc ions are considered to be one of the most abundant trace elements in the human body. Among many important functions, zinc ions regulate the function of numerous structural, transcriptional and enzymatic proteins that play important roles in the correct function of the central nervous system. Thus, in the present work we were interested in determining some preliminary relevance for the possible effect of acute zinc administration on the anxiety-like behavior. Our initial results described here are showing interesting biotechnological relevance for zinc in this anxiety-related context and also further theoretical developing on this area considering oxidative stress related mechanisms. Moreover, the cardiovascular relevance in both contexts of magnesium vs. cardiovascular effects or anxiety and its relations with the cardiovascular system are presented. Keywords: magnesium, anxiety, oxidative stress, cardiovascular

Using Zinc in Management of Subfertile Male Patients: a Clinical Trial

Background: The use of minerals in treatment of different diseases is as old as man himself. zinc is the most famous trace mineral related to male sexual function. Oligoasthenozoospermic subfertile patients were treated with zinc sulphate for three months.&#x0D; Objectives: Aim of the research is to investigate the role of Zinc and if it affects the abnormalities of some semen parameters and to study the possible role of pharmaceutical preperations of zinc in amelioration of male subfertility as well as to assess the ability of Zinc to induce changes in the serum and semen zinc levels in addition to the levels of reproductive hormones (FSH and Testosterone).&#x0D; Type of the study: The study is a single group pretest-posttest experimental prospective comparative self-control; clinical trial research.&#x0D; Methods: The patients were tested before and after the treatment for semen analysis via Computerized Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) dynamic analysis report I and II as well as for FSH and Testosterone hormonal levels, serum and semen zinc levels .&#x0D; Results: Zinc administration induced a significant increase(p≤0.001) in FSH, Testosterone, serum and semen zinc level as well as in the total and progressive sperm motility percentages .&#x0D; Conclusions: Zinc administration induced significant changes (p≤0.001) towards improvement in the total and progressive sperm motility percentages in oligoasthenozoospermic patients by CASA dynamic analysis report I and II.

Effect of zinc in severe pneumonia in children of 6 months to 5 years in Allied Hospital, Faisalabad.

In Pakistan, pneumonia is very prevalent disease and major cause of death in pediatric age group. Objectives: Our objective is to see the effect of zinc supplementation in severe pneumonia. Study Design: Double blind controlled clinical trial. Setting: Tertiary Care Center of Teaching Hospital. Period: June 2015 to November 2015. Material &amp; Methods: The study was conducted in tertiary care center of teaching hospital children with age group of “06 month to 05 years” diagnosed as case of severe pneumonia. They were randomly assigned to receive conventional treatment and supplementation with zinc (group A) and conventional treatment (group B) alone. They received 20mg of elemental zinc from first day of treatment along with conventional treatment. The characteristics like symptoms at admission and variable like age sex were not statistically different in both age groups. Result: The group who received zinc and conventional treatment showed significant decrease in duration of symptoms and duration of hospitalization. Conclusion: This study shows that administration of zinc along with antibiotics can fasten the healing and recovery of pneumonia. We suggest addition of zinc in treatment of pneumonia.

The Hepatoprotective Effects of Zinc Glycine on Liver Injury in Meat Duck Through Alleviating Hepatic Lipid Deposition and Inflammation

Dietary zinc status was recently approved to exert a powerful influence on liver health, and zinc deficiency results in hepatic injury caused by fat deposition, inflammation, and oxidant stress, but the effect of zinc on hepatic lipid metabolism and liver injury in meat duck has not been well defined. To determine the hepatoprotective effects of graded zinc glycine in meat ducks. A total of 384 1-day-old male meat ducks were subjected to 5 weeks feeding program with three experimental diets: (1) low-zinc diet, (2) adequate-zinc diet, and (3) high-zinc diet. Blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical analysis, gene expression analysis, and histopathological study. Diet with low zinc increased hepatic lipid content and triglyceride concentration. Meat ducks fed low-zinc diet exhibited considerably increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity than birds fed other diets among all groups (P < 0.05). Low zinc administration also notably induced hepatocyte apoptosis and stimulated hepatic inflammatory gene expression. Adequate or high zinc supplementation increased hepatic zinc level, reduced hepatic lipid deposition and hepatosomatic indices through suppressing the expression of lipogenic genes including fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) (P < 0.05), and upregulated the mRNA expression of both fatty acid secretion and β-oxidation, including carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (Cpt1a), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α, and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (P < 0.05). Dietary zinc addition also declined hepatic mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, diets with adequate or high zinc significantly decreased serum ALT activity and hepatocyte apoptosis. These data revealed that supplementing adequate- or high-zinc glycine efficiently protects liver injury by attenuating lipid deposition and hepatic inflammation.

Preterm Birth: A Narrative Review of the Current Evidence on Nutritional and Bioactive Solutions for Risk Reduction.

Preterm birth (PTB) (<37 weeks of gestation) is the leading cause of newborn death and a risk factor for short and long-term adverse health outcomes. Most cases are of unknown cause. Although the mechanisms triggering PTB remain unclear, an inappropriate increase in net inflammatory load seems to be key. To date, interventions that reduce the risk of PTB are effective only in specific groups of women, probably due to the heterogeneity of its etiopathogenesis. Use of progesterone is the most effective, but only in singleton pregnancies with history of PTB. Thus, primary prevention is greatly needed and nutritional and bioactive solutions are a promising alternative. Among these, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the most promising to reduce the risk for early PTB. Other potential nutrient interventions include the administration of zinc (possibly limited to populations with low nutritional status or poor zinc status) and vitamin D; additional preliminary evidence exists for vitamin A, calcium, iron, folic acid, combined iron-folate, magnesium, multiple micronutrients, and probiotics. Considering the public health relevance of PTB, promising interventions should be studied in large and well-designed clinical trials. The objective of this review is to describe, summarize, and discuss the existing evidence on nutritional and bioactive solutions for reducing the risk of PTB.

Does the Trace Element Deficiency (Vit A, D &amp; Zinc) Have Any Role in Vulnerability to Urinary Tract Infection in Children: A Case-Control Study: Tehran, Iran

Background and Objective: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common causes of hospital admission in our young population. This prospective cohort study was carried out to assess the relation of serum levels of zinc, vitamins A and D with UTI in children with proven UTI. Methods: The serum levels of Zinc, vitamins A and D were compared between 25 proven UTI cases (admitted in 2 educational hospitals in Tehran) and 40 controls without infection (children who had undergone for elective surgery). The average age of children was 2.17 years. Atomic absorption Spectrophotometry, Radioimmunoassay, and HPLC methods were used for measuring the Zinc, Vit D and A, respectively. Results: Although the serum levels of zinc were significantly lower in UTI cases (P=0.05), no significant differences had observed between cases and controls for vitamins A and D in sera (P=0.4 and P=0.9). Conclusion: Due to established lower zinc level in UTI cases (p-value = 0.05), zinc deficiency might have a role in susceptibility to UTI in studied children. Administration of zinc could be helpful in preventing UTI. To establish the role of Vitamins A and D in vulnerability to UTI, further extensive research with larger samples is needed. Conclusion: Due to established lower zinc level in UTI cases (p-value = 0.05), zinc deficiency might have a role in susceptibility to UTI in studied children. Administration of zinc could be helpful in preventing UTI. To establish the role of Vitamins A and D in vulnerability to UTI, further extensive research with larger samples is needed.

Anemia following zinc treatment for Wilson\u2019s disease: a case report and literature review

BackgroundZinc therapy is considered an effective and safe treatment for Wilson’s disease. Hypocupremia-related anemia is rarely reported after long-term zinc administration or combination therapy with copper-chelating agent.Case presentationWe herein report a 12-year-old girl with pre-symptomatic Wilson’s disease diagnosed 5 years ago who presented with severe anemia after high-dose oral zinc for 4 years and 4 months. Her hemoglobin was gradually restored to the normal range after the adjustment of zinc dose and diet therapy for 4 months. A review of the literature revealed eight patients with hypocupremia-associated anemia following zinc therapy for Wilson’s disease, including 7 adults and 1 child. The only child patient was a 16-year-old boy, in whom the zinc therapy was succession to penicillamine administration.ConclusionsThis is the first report worldwide that a child developed severe anemia following high-dose single zinc administration for Wilson’s disease. It highlights the importance of regular follow-up during zinc treatment and the involvement of specialists in the long-term management of Wilson’s disease. We hope that this will alert pediatricians the issue of zinc over-treatment.

Zinc Improves Functional Recovery by Regulating the Secretion of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor From Microglia/Macrophages After Spinal Cord Injury.

While zinc promotes motor function recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI), the precise mechanisms involved are not fully understood. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of zinc and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on neuronal recovery after SCI. The SCI model was established by Allen’s method. Injured animals were given glucose and zinc gluconate (ZnG; 30 mg/kg) for the first time at 2 h after injury, the same dose was given for 3 days. A cytokine antibody array was used to screen changes in inflammation at the site of SCI lesion. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the distribution of cytokines. Magnetic beads were also used to isolate cells from the site of SCI lesion. We then investigated the effect of Zinc on apoptosis after SCI by Transferase UTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) staining and Western Blotting. Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) scores and immunofluorescence were employed to investigate neuronal apoptosis and functional recovery. We found that the administration of zinc significantly increased the expression of 19 cytokines in the SCI lesion. Of these, G-CSF was shown to be the most elevated cytokine and was secreted by microglia/macrophages (M/Ms) via the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway after SCI. Increased levels of G-CSF at the SCI lesion reduced the level of neuronal apoptosis after SCI, thus promoting functional recovery. Collectively, our results indicate that the administration of zinc increases the expression of G-CSF secreted by M/Ms, which then leads to reduced levels of neuronal apoptosis after SCI.

An extracellular histidine-containing motif in the zinc transporter ZIP4 plays a role in zinc sensing and zinc-induced endocytosis in mammalian cells

Zinc is an essential trace element that serves as a cofactor for enzymes in critical biochemical processes and also plays a structural role in numerous proteins. Zinc transporter ZIP4 (ZIP4) is a zinc importer required for dietary zinc uptake in the intestine and other cell types. Studies in cultured cells have reported that zinc stimulates the endocytosis of plasma membrane-localized ZIP4 protein, resulting in reduced cellular zinc uptake. Thus, zinc-regulated trafficking of ZIP4 is a key means for regulating cellular zinc homeostasis, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we used mutational analysis, immunoblotting, HEK293 cells, and immunofluorescence microscopy to identify a histidine-containing motif (398HTH) in the first extracellular loop that is required for high sensitivity to low zinc concentrations in a zinc-induced endocytic response of mouse ZIP4 (mZIP4). Moreover, using synthetic peptides with selective substitutions and truncated mZIP4 variants, we provide evidence that histidine residues in this motif coordinate a zinc ion in mZIP4 homodimers at the plasma membrane. These findings suggest that 398HTH is an important zinc-sensing motif for eliciting high-affinity zinc-stimulated endocytosis of mZIP4 and provide insight into cellular mechanisms for regulating cellular zinc homeostasis in mammalian cells.