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Updated: Dec 9, 2025

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Zinc: Roles in pancreatic physiology and disease
Melinda Wang1, Madhura Phadke1, Daniel Packard1
1Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and VA HealthCare System, CT, USA.
Abstract:
Zinc is an essential trace element. Deficiencies are frequently seen with gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic pancreatitis, nutritional deficiency, and reduced intestinal absorption. Additionally, reduced zinc levels have been linked to cellular changes associated with acute pancreatitis such as enhanced inflammation with increased macrophage activation and production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, impaired autophagy, and modulation of calcium homeostasis. Preliminary data suggest that zinc deficiency may lead to pancreatic injury in animal models. The purpose of this review is to explore the biologic effects of zinc deficiency that could impact pancreatic disease. MESH KEYWORDS: Malnutrition, inflammation, trace element.
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