Abnormal immune responses during hypozincaemia in acrodermatitis enteropathica

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a genetic zinc deficiency disorder.
• Impaired immune function is a known complication of zinc deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate immune responses in AE patients during zinc deficiency and repletion.
• To assess the impact of zinc status on lymphocyte function and autoimmunity markers.

Main Methods:

• Characterized immune responses in six AE patients.
• Monitored T-cell and B-cell counts and in vitro lymphocyte stimulation.
• Assessed tuberculin skin test, antinuclear antibodies, IgE, and rheumatoid factor.

Main Results:

• Hypozincaemia was associated with increased T-cells but subnormal B-cells and lymphocyte responses.
• Immune parameters normalized with improved serum zinc levels.
• Autoimmunity markers (antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor) were present in some patients irrespective of zinc status.

Conclusions:

• Zinc deficiency significantly impairs immune responses in acrodermatitis enteropathica.
• Autoimmunity markers are prevalent in AE patients, independent of zinc status.