Zinc Deficiency Research Articles

The Hidden Hunger among Nepalese Non-Pregnant Women Aged 15-49 Years: The Role of Individual, Household, and Community-Level Factors.

Micronutrient deficiencies remain a public health burden among non-pregnant women in developing countries, including Nepal. Hence, this study examined micronutrient deficiencies among non-pregnant Nepalese women aged 15-49 using the 2016 Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey (NNMSS). Data for 2143 non-pregnant women was extracted from the 2016 NNMSS. The study analysed the levels of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), red blood cell (RBC) folate, and zinc of the participants. Multivariable logistic analysis was carried out to assess factors associated with micronutrient deficiencies. The prevalence of ferritin, sTfR, folate, and zinc was observed to be 19%, 13%, 16%, and 21%, respectively. Non-pregnant women from the Janajati region were significantly less prone to high levels of ferritin [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25, 0.80], and those who had body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or higher had significantly elevated ferritin levels [AOR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.01, 7.17]. Non-pregnant women aged 35-49 years were significantly less predisposed to folate deficiency [AOR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.83], and the odds of zinc deficiency were significantly lower among non-pregnant women from wealthier households [AOR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.76]. This study provides further insight into screening high-risk subgroups and instituting public health interventions to address the prevailing micronutrient deficiencies among non-pregnant Nepalese women.

P-099 The development of a novel sperm washing medium, enriched with serotonin as the active constituent, with the objective of enhancing sperm motility and viability

Abstract Study question Is it possible to develop a novel product that increases the success rate of treating male infertility through assisted reproductive techniques? Summary answer Sperm washing media, aiming to improve sperm quality, enhance sperm motility, and generally support male reproductive health in the field of assisted reproductive techniques. What is known already Infertility impacts 15% of all couples globally, with 50% of infertility cases attributed solely to male factors. Reduced semen motility is identified as a primary factor directly associated with infertility. The utilization of supplementation to enhance overall sperm quality has gained increasing popularity worldwide. The sperm preparation process in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is crucial for successful fertilization, with sperm washing mediums playing a critical role in enhancing efficiency. Sperm-washing media is a specialized solution utilized in assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization to remove the seminal fluid and debris for sperm to undergo capacitation. Study design, size, duration In this study, 200 normozoospermic men were included, and their semen samples were analyzed over an 18-month period following the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization (2010) to assess the efficacy of serotonin, selenium, zinc, L-Carnitine, and Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on sperm motility, viability, ROS and DNA damage. Participants/materials, setting, methods Sperm samples obtained from 200 volunteer men undergoing infertility assessments were subdivided into three samples.The sperm samples underwent preparation using the swim-up technique. The study involved the examination of samples in three distinct washing media: (1) Origio, (2) Irvine Scientific, (3) a prototype (serotonin, selenium, zinc, L-carnitine, and Coenzyme Q10). Each medium was analyzed for motility, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and DNA damage. Main results and the role of chance It is found that mean basal total sperm counts are 38 million. After sperm washing, mean total sperm counts of Origio®, Irvine® and Prototype are 15 million respectively (p > 0.05). As total progressive motility is % 40 before washing, it is increased to 62%,56% and 64% after washing with Origio®, Irvine® and Prototype, respectively (p > 0.05). Annexin V staining is used for detection of apoptosis in sperm samples. On average, early apoptosis over the total sperm count(TSC) per subgroups are 34.67% for Prototype, 33.17% for Origio® and 30.96% for Irvine®, whereas late apoptosis ratios are found significantly lower in Prototype compared to Origio and Irvine; 8.7%, 28.26% and 27.74%, respectively. Ratio of necrosis over TSC per subgroups is 3.15% for Prototype, 13.49% for Origio® and 18.78% for Irvine® whereas viability ratios are as 53.48%, 25.08%, 22.52%, respectively.(p < 0.05). ROS levels in semen after washing are significantly lower for Prototype (5.9%, 10.29%, and 18.22%, Prototype, Origio® and Irvine®, respectively) (p < 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution Semen samples from males aged 28 to 45, who are unable to conceive, do not smoke, and have not undergone any surgical interventions, are collected from patients after a sexual abstinence period of 3-4 days. Wider implications of the findings We propose that our serotonin-activated washing media for sperm preparation can serve as a suitable choice for selecting high-quality sperm in assisted reproductive technology programs. These molecules may enhance the success of assisted reproduction techniques when present in sperm preparation media. Trial registration number SerotoneX

Identification and analysis of bZIP family genes in Citrus sinensis and the role of CsbZIP24 in response to Huanglongbing

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most destructive citrus diseases worldwide, mainly caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas). HLB plants commonly present zinc deficiency chlorosis, which is evidenced with decreased zinc content and upregulation of genes encoding zinc transport proteins (ZIPs). However, the mechanism of how ZIPs are activated in response to CLas infection is unknown. Herein, the phylogenetic analysis was done for ZIPs and its potential upstream regulator bZIPs on the genome-wide level. Fifty-six bZIP transcription factor members classified into thirteen groups and twelve ZIP members were identified from C. sinensis. CsbZIP23 and CsbZIP24 harboring Zinc-sensor motif (ZSM) were characterized as the homologues of Arabidopsis thaliana bZIP19/23 in regulation of zinc homeostasis, and both were highly expressed in leaves compared to stems and roots. CsbZIP24 was further demonstrated in activation of CsZIP3 gene expression by binding to its promoter containing Zinc Deficiency Response Elements (ZDRE) rather than CsbZIP23. Additionally, the induction of both CsbZIP24 and CsZIP3 was observed in HLB diseased plants. Taken together, zinc sensor members were firstly identified in citrus and CsbZIP24 was proposed as the key factor in regulation of CsZIP3 gene expression to accommodate zinc-deficient conditions that caused by CLas colonization.

The effect of zinc and probiotics supplements in children under 5 years old with diarrhea

The effect of zinc and probiotics supplements in children under 5 years old with diarrhea

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Level and Geriatric Depression Scale among Elderly Persons with Mild to Moderate Depression

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Level and Geriatric Depression Scale among Elderly Persons with Mild to Moderate Depression

Zinc biofortification of wheat through fertilizer and genotype management

This study investigated the responses of two wheat varieties, Alvand (Zn-inefficient) and Pishtaz (Zn-efficient), to various zinc (Zn) fertilization methods to determine optimal strategies for enhancing wheat growth and grain quality. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of various Zn fertilization strategies, including foliar applications of Zn sulfate and Zn-EDTA with and without urea, as well as synthetic Zn amino acid complexes, along with soil applications of Zn sulfate, on the yield and nutritional quality of grains in these two contrasting wheat varieties. The results revealed that wheat varieties responded differently to Zn treatments. While Alvand showed a promising trend of elevated grain yield with foliar zinc sulfate application, Pishtaz exhibited a stronger response to foliar treatments like Zn-Met and Zn-EDTA + urea. Yield components as 1000-grain weight and spike weight, were significantly influenced by Zn fertilization. Foliar application of zinc sulfate + urea enhanced 1000-grain weight in Alvand, whereas Zn-EDTA + urea substantially increased spike weight in Pishtaz. Soil application of zinc sulfate was found to be as an effective method to enhance grain Zn content. Furthermore, the Zn concentrations in flour, straw, bran, and roots elucidated the complex patterns of Zn distribution among various plant tissues. Soil applications were particularly effective in increasing Zn levels in flour and bran, while foliar treatments influenced Zn content in straw and roots. Overall, this research highlights the importance of Zn fertilization strategies for different wheat varieties biofortification. These findings can provide practical implications for sustainable wheat production, addressing Zn deficiency challenges, and advancing food security worldwide. Further exploration into the underlying mechanisms of these responses is encouraged to refine Zn management practices for wheat cultivation.

Zinc Toxicity: Understanding the Limits.

Zinc, a vital trace element, holds significant importance in numerous physiological processes within the body. It participates in over 300 enzymatic reactions, metabolic functions, regulation of gene expression, apoptosis and immune modulation, thereby demonstrating its essential role in maintaining overall health and well-being. While zinc deficiency is associated with significant health risks, an excess of this trace element can also lead to harmful effects. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 6.7 to 15 mg per day are referred to be the dietary reference value. An excess of the recommended daily intake may result in symptoms such as anemia, neutropenia and zinc-induced copper deficiency. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) defines the tolerable upper intake level (UL) as 25 mg per day, whereas the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows 40 mg per day. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding the calculation of UL and other health risks associated with zinc. For example, zinc intake is not limited to oral consumption; other routes, such as inhalation or topical application, may also pose risks of zinc intoxication.

Postnatal zinc deficiency due to giardiasis disrupts hippocampal and cerebellar development.

Giardiasis and zinc deficiency have been identified as serious health problems worldwide. Although Zn depletion is known to occur in giardiasis, no work has investigated whether changes occur in brain structures. Three groups of gerbils were used: control (1), orogastrically inoculated on day 3 after birth with trophozoites of two isolates of Giardia intestinalis (HGINV/WB) group (2 and 3). Estimates were made at five ages covering: establishment of infection, Giardia population growth, natural parasite clearance and a post-infection age. QuantiChrome zinc assay kit, cresyl violet staining and TUNEL technique were used. A significant decrease (p<0.01) in tissue zinc was observed and persisted after infection. Cytoarchitectural changes were observed in 75% of gerbils in the HGINV or WB groups. Ectopic pyramidal neurons were found in the cornus ammonis (CA1-CA3). At 60 and 90 days of age loss of lamination was clearly visible in CA1. In the dentate gyrus (DG), thinning of the dorsal lamina and abnormal thickening of the ventral lamina were observed from 30 days of age. In the cerebellum, we found an increase (p<0.01) in the thickness of the external granular layer (EGL) at 14 days of age that persisted until day 21 (C 3 ± 0.3 μm; HGINV 37 ± 5 μm; WB 28 ± 3 μm); Purkinje cell population estimation showed a significant decrease; a large number of apoptotic somas were observed scattered in the molecular layer; in 60 and 90 days old gerbils we found granular cell heterotopia and Purkinje cell ectopia. The pattern of apoptosis was different in the cerebellum and hippocampus of parasitized gerbils. The morphological changes found suggest that neuronal migration is affected by zinc depletion caused by giardiasis in early postnatal life; for the first time, the link between giardiasis-zinc depletion and damaged brain structures is shown. This damage may explain the psychomotor/cognitive delay associated with giardiasis. These findings are alarming. Alterations in zinc metabolism and signalling are known to be involved in many brain disorders, including autism.

Impacts of Vitamin D3 and Zinc Supplementation on the Redox Status in Blood and Pancreas of Rats With Alcohol-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis

Impacts of Vitamin D3 and Zinc Supplementation on the Redox Status in Blood and Pancreas of Rats With Alcohol-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis

Effects of Oral Supplementation of Vitamin D3 and Zinc on Bone Properties in Alcohol Abuse-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis in Rats

Effects of Oral Supplementation of Vitamin D3 and Zinc on Bone Properties in Alcohol Abuse-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis in Rats

Application of zinc modified biochars to enhance zinc availability, speciation and bajra growth in Zn-deficient soil

Zinc deficiency poses a serious threat to numerous crops and global human populations. Recently, soil biochar amendment has being promoted as a sustainable farming method. However, its consequence on the bioavailability of Zn in cereal crop has not been fully addressed. In the present study, 0.01% Zn-SO4 (w/w) was loaded in fruit waste, farmyard manure and coconut shell pyrolysis at 400 ℃, for 2 h to make fruit waste Zn-modified biochar (FWZn-MBC), farmyard manure Zn-modified biochar (FYZn-MBC) and coconut shell Zn-modified biochar (CSZn-MBC). Except control treatment, all the modified biochars were applied at 1, 2 and 4% doses on zinc availability, speciation, bajra growth and chemical properties in Zn-deficient soil. The obtained results showed that Zn mobility in soil was 70.04% with application of FYZn-MBC 4% as compared with other treatments. The maximum uptake of Zn in shoot and root by bajra plant was observed by 74.02% and 53% with addition of FYZn-MBC 4% as compared with control soil, due to an increase of soil organic matter. The chlorophyll SPAD values in the bajra aerial surface was increased from 30.23 to 39.24 with application FYZn-MBC 4% than control. The exchangeable fraction of Zn was increased from 7.34 to 14.71% with application of FYZn-MBC 4%. The correlation matrix results indicated that CaCO3 was positively correlated with soil pH. Soil organic matter was highly significant correlated with chlorophyll. Overall, future studies must be carried out to examine the long-term impact of FYZn-MBC 4% on Zn phytoavailbility in Zn-deficient soil.

Combinatorial Effects of Zinc Deficiency and Arsenic Exposure on Bone in Growing Female Mice

Combinatorial Effects of Zinc Deficiency and Arsenic Exposure on Bone in Growing Female Mice

Comparative transcriptome analysis of acne vulgaris, rosacea, and hidradenitis suppurativa supports high-dose dietary zinc as a therapeutic agent.

Acne vulgaris, rosacea, and hidradenitis suppurativa are enduring inflammatory skin conditions that frequently manifest with akin clinical attributes, posing a considerable challenge for their distinctive diagnosis. While these conditions do exhibit certain resemblances, they also demonstrate distinct underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment modalities. Delving into both the molecular parallels and disparities among these three disorders can yield invaluable insights for refined diagnostics, effective management, and targeted therapeutic interventions. In this report, we present a comparative analysis of transcriptomic data across these three diseases, elucidating differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways specific to each ailment, as well as those shared among them. Specifically, we identified multiple zinc-binding proteins (SERPINA1, S100A7, S100A8, S100A9 and KRT16) as consistently highly upregulated genes across all three diseases. Our hypothesis suggests that these proteins could bind and sequester zinc, potentially leading to localized zinc deficiency and heightened inflammation. We identified high-dose dietary zinc as a promising therapeutic approach and confirmed its effectiveness through validation in an acne mouse model.

Speciation of Zn in Arid Soils With Saline Accumulations. Case Study of the Biskra Region, Algeria

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in plants is closely related to its bioavailability in soil. However, the behaviour of Zn in soils, especially in saline areas, remains complex. This research aims to clarify the distribution and dominant forms of Zn in arid soils with salt accumulations from the Biskra region by studying soil samples from ten representative profiles. Soil samples were collected from dif ferent horizons of each profile to a depth of 120 cm and subjected to speciation analysis using sequential extraction. The results indicate a deficiency of Zn in all soil samples, resulting in reduced concentrations of dif ferent forms of Zn. The dominant forms were residual Zn (R-Zn) and oxide-bound Zn (O-Zn), which accounted for over 90% of total Zn. The study revealed a negative correlation between soil salinity and all Zn forms, except for R-Zn, which showed a positive correlation. Additionally, Zn concentrations showed a negative correlation with gypsum, except for exchangeable Zn (E-Zn). It is important to note that the presence of gypsum in soils was significantly and negatively correlated with O-Zn. Although the sequential extraction method used may have limitations in accurately quantifying all forms of Zn, this study fills a gap in the literature on Zn assessment and speciation in arid soils. The study emphasizes the significance of soil characteristics, particularly salinity and gypsum content, in shaping Zn distribution. Overall, these results contribute to a better understanding of Zn availability and mobility in arid and saline environments, providing valuable insights for improved soil management practices in such regions.

Impact of Agronomic Zinc Biofortification on Yield Attributes, Yield and Micronutrient Uptake of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Southern Odisha

Cereal crops are low in micronutrients primarily due to Iron and Zinc deficiency in soil. Iron, being the cofactor of various enzymes, performs basic functions in the human body, while its absence causes anaemia. Symptoms of Zn-deficiency appearing in the human body includes retarded growth, hypogonadism, immune dysfunction and cognitive impairment. In rice plants, their deficiency results in stunted growth and poor plant development, leading to yield reduction. Consumption of milled rice containing very low levels of iron and zinc, is one of the principal reasons for widespread malnutrition among rice consumers. Health of millions of people around the world, including India, is directly or indirectly affected due to ‘Hidden Hunger’ or ‘Malnutrition’ of iron and zinc. The current study was conducted in the summer season of 2022 at the Post Graduate Research Farm, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, comprising 8 treatments of zinc (foliar and basal) applications on rice. Influence of these treatments on grain and straw yield of rice was ascertained by measuring Pearson correlation coefficient and different multivariate tests viz., Multiple Regression, Multilayer Perceptron Neural Analysis (MPN) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), which indicated that grain zinc and iron content, was highly influenced by the zinc application. Analysis of generated data indicated that basal application of 5 kg Zn ha−1 along with foliar application of 0.25% Zn at maximum tillering and at booting stage produced the highest grain yield (6.80 t ha-1) and superior outcomes on different yield attributes, nutrient uptake and straw yield of hybrid rice as compared to other treatments, (MARVEL 1011) in the soil of Southern Odisha.

Effects of zinc and probiotic co supplementation on lipid profile, waist circumstance, and body fat percentage in obesity women

Effects of zinc and probiotic co supplementation on lipid profile, waist circumstance, and body fat percentage in obesity women

Zinc Action in Vascular Calcification.

Although zinc's involvement in bone calcification is well-established, its role in vascular calcification, characterized by abnormal calcium and phosphorus deposition in soft tissues and a key aspect of various vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, remains unclear. This review focuses on zinc's action in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification, including the vascular calcification mechanism. Accumulated research has indicated that zinc deficiency induces calcification in VSMCs and the aorta, primarily through apoptosis accompanied by a downregulation of smooth muscle cell markers. Moreover, zinc deficiency-induced vascular calcification operates independently of the action of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, typically associated with osteogenic processes, but is partly regulated via inorganic phosphate transporter-1 (Pit-1). To date, research has shown that zinc regulates vascular calcification through a mechanism distinct from that of osteogenic calcification, providing insight into its dual effects on physiological and pathological calcification and thereby explaining the "zinc paradox," wherein zinc simultaneously increases osteoblastic calcification and decreases VSMC calcification.

Emerging Perspectives in Zinc Transporter Research in Prostate Cancer: An Updated Review.

Dysregulation of zinc and zinc transporters families has been associated with the genesis and progression of prostate cancer. The prostate epithelium utilizes two types of zinc transporters, the ZIP (Zrt-, Irt-related Protein) and the ZnTs (Zinc Transporter), to transport zinc from the blood plasma to the gland lumen. ZIP transporters uptake zinc from extracellular space and organelle lumen, while ZnT transporters release zinc outside the cells or to organelle lumen. In prostate cancer, a commonly observed low zinc concentration in prostate tissue has been correlated with downregulations of certain ZIPs (e.g., ZIP1, ZIP2, ZIP3, ZIP14) and upregulations of specific ZnTs (e.g., ZnT1, ZnT9, ZnT10). These alterations may enable cancer cells to adapt to toxic high zinc levels. While zinc supplementation has been suggested as a potential therapy for this type of cancer, studies have yielded inconsistent results because some trials have indicated that zinc supplementation could exacerbate cancer risk. The reason for this discrepancy remains unclear, but given the high molecular and genetic variability present in prostate tumors, it is plausible that some zinc transporters-comprising 14 ZIP and 10 ZnT members-could be dysregulated in others patterns that promote cancer. From this perspective, this review highlights novel dysregulation, such as ZIP-Up/ZnT-Down, observed in prostate cancer cell lines for ZIP4, ZIP8, ZnT2, ZnT4, ZnT5, etc. Additionally, an in silico analysis of an available microarray from mouse models of prostate cancer (Nkx3.1;Pten) predicts similar dysregulation pattern for ZIP4, ZIP8, and ZnT2, which appear in early stages of prostate cancer progression. Furthermore, similar dysregulation patterns are supported by an in silico analysis of RNA-seq data from human cancer tumors available in cBioPortal. We discuss how these dysregulations of zinc transporters could impact zinc supplementation trials, particularly focusing on how the ZIP-Up/ZnT-Down dysregulation through various mechanisms might promote prostate cancer progression.

Chemical Characterization of Soils from Kole Land Ecosystem of Thrissur District, Kerala, India

Chemical characteristics of acid sulphate soils (Kole) of Thrissur district were done after the flood in 2018, in order to access the fertility and productivity of the soil. A total of 25 random samples were collected from different locations of AEU 6 in Thrissur district and its chemical characterization and mapping were done. Soils of Kole lands of Thrissur district were ultra to moderately acid in reaction (3.31 to 6.42) with an average pH of 4.98 and with medium to high organic carbon content (1.17 to 4.41 %) and 92 per cent of soil samples were high in available nitrogen which was resulted due to the presence of more organic matter and clay. Forty percent of soils were low in available phosphorus content. Almost 80 per cent of soil samples showed sufficiency in potassium content. Among the secondary nutrients, calcium and sulphur were sufficient while 52 per cent of soil samples showed deficiency in available magnesium. Among the micro nutrient content in collected soil samples, available Fe, Mn and Zn were high and no Zn deficiency was noticed. Cation exchange capacity ranged from 7.57 to 22.01 cmol (+) kg-1 with a mean content of 13.92 cmol (+) kg-1. The present study on mapping and primary characterisation form the base for further detailed study of Kole land ecosystem of Thrissur district in post flood scenerio.

Assessment and Mapping of Nutrients in Soils of Babain and Ladwa Blocks of Kurukshetra using GIS

The study was conducted in 2021-22 to evaluate the soil fertility status and create geospatial thematic mapping of available macro and micronutrients using GIS, and their correlation with physico-chemical properties of the soils of the Babain and Ladwa blocks of Kurukshetra, India. A composite of 204 georeferenced soil samples was collected from different villages of both blocks and samples were analysed using standard procedures. The average pH of the soils of Babain and Ladwa had a mean value of 8.10 and 8.18. Among the total soil samples, 92 and 80 samples were found to be saline in Babain and Ladwa, respectively. The nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur content in the soils of the Babain block ranged from 105-280, 6-32, 80-500 and 34-298 kg ha-1, while in the Ladwa block nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur content in the soils ranged from 89-287, 7-27, 65-510 and 45-430 kg ha-1, respectively. The soil samples exhibited varying levels of zinc, iron, and copper, with some falling into the sufficient category and others into the deficient category. However, all samples had sufficient manganese and boron content. The observed deficiency of zinc, iron and copper can be replenished with the application of manures and fertilizers to improve soil fertility and crop productivity.