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Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
Zinc and genital infections
M S Cornell1, L J Hinks, H S Singha
1Department of Chemical Pathology and Human Metabolism, University of Southampton Medical School.
Genitourinary Medicine
|August 1, 1987
Summary
This study found no evidence of zinc deficiency in patients with chronic or recurrent genital infections. Zinc levels were normal in patients and healthy controls, even those with candidiasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Genital infections, both chronic/recurrent and acute/non-recurrent, affect a significant population.
- Zinc is an essential trace element involved in immune function.
- Previous research suggests a potential link between zinc status and infection susceptibility or severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the zinc status in patients experiencing genital infections.
- To investigate potential correlations between zinc levels and infection recurrence or chronicity.
- To determine if zinc deficiency is a contributing factor in genital candidiasis and associated immune anergy.
Main Methods:
- Plasma and leucocyte zinc concentrations were measured in patients and compared to healthy controls.
- Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity testing was performed using candidal antigen in patients with chronic candidiasis.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare zinc levels between patient groups and controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in plasma or leucocyte zinc concentrations were observed between patients with chronic/recurrent genital infections, non-recurrent genital infections, and healthy controls.
- Six patients with chronic candidiasis exhibited anergy to candidal antigen, but maintained normal zinc status.
- The study found no indication of zinc deficiency in the studied patient cohorts.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support a role for zinc deficiency in the pathogenesis of acute non-recurrent or chronic recurrent genital infections.
- Normal zinc status was observed across all groups, suggesting other factors may be more critical in these infections.
- Further research with larger cohorts may be warranted to explore other micronutrient roles or immune system interactions.
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