Zinc and Oxidative Stress: Current Mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Human Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Oxidative stress, a metabolic dysfunction, drives biomolecule oxidation and cellular damage.
• This damage is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases.
• Zinc is a critical mineral with significant antioxidant properties essential for human health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the protective mechanisms of zinc against oxidative stress.
• To highlight zinc's role in antioxidant defense systems and cellular protection.
• To explore zinc's involvement in managing oxidative stress in diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles and studies.
• Analysis of biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms.
• Synthesis of evidence on zinc's antioxidant functions.

Main Results:

• Zinc functions as a cofactor for key antioxidant enzymes.
• It protects cell membranes and inhibits NADPH-Oxidase activity.
• Zinc induces metallothionein synthesis, which neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Conclusions:

• Zinc plays a crucial role in mitigating oxidative stress and its associated cellular damage.
• Its antioxidant properties are vital for preventing and managing chronic diseases.
• Evidence strongly supports zinc's protective effects against oxidative stress in various pathological conditions.