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Related Experiment Videos

Zinc: a multipurpose trace element.

M Stefanidou1, C Maravelias, A Dona

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias street, Goudi, Athens 11527, Greece. mstefan@med.uoa.gr

Archives of Toxicology
|September 28, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Zinc (Zn) is a vital trace element crucial for immune function and cellular health, particularly in aging. Supplementation can improve immune responses and combat age-related decline.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element with critical catalytic, structural, and regulatory roles in the human body.
  • Zinc is involved in fundamental biological processes including homeostasis, immune responses, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and aging.
  • Zinc-binding proteins, such as metallothioneins (MTs), offer protection against stress, toxic metals, infections, and low zinc nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of zinc in cellular homeostasis and immune function.
  • To highlight the protective functions of metallothioneins in various physiological and pathological conditions.
  • To investigate the impact of zinc supplementation on immune defects and age-related diseases.

Main Methods:

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  • Review of existing literature on zinc's biochemical functions and its role in immune responses.
  • Analysis of the involvement of zinc-binding proteins (metallothioneins) in cellular protection.
  • Examination of studies on zinc supplementation in aging and age-related degenerative conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • Metallothioneins play a crucial role in zinc-related cell homeostasis, protecting against oxidative stress and supporting immune responses.
    • Zinc is vital for natural killer (NK) cell activity, which declines with age.
    • Zinc supplementation in aging individuals can correct immune defects, reduce infection recurrence, and mitigate aging processes.

    Conclusions:

    • Zinc is indispensable for maintaining immune function and cellular integrity, especially during aging.
    • Metallothioneins are key players in zinc homeostasis and cellular defense mechanisms.
    • Physiological zinc supplementation shows promise in managing age-related immune decline and associated diseases.