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The paradoxical role of zinc on microglia
Yehong Wang1, Yi Song2, Lingdang Zhang2
1Graduate Faculty, Xi'an Physical Education University, Xi'an 710068, PR China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Dong Medicine, Ethnic Medicine Research Center, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, PR China.
Abstract:
Zinc is an essential trace element for humans, and its homeostasis is essential for the health of the central nervous system. Microglia, the resident immune cells in the central nervous system, play the roles of sustaining, nourishing, and immune surveillance. Microglia are sensitive to microenvironment changes and are easily activated to M1 phenotype to enhance disease progression or the M2 phenotype to improve peripheral nerves injury repair. Zinc is requisite for microglial activation, However, the cytotoxicity outcome of zinc against microglia, the activated microglia phenotype, and activated microglia function are ambiguous. Herein, we have reviewed the neurological function of zinc and microglia, particularly the ambiguous role of zinc on microglia. We also pay attention to the role of zinc homeostasis on microglial function within the central nervous system disease. Finally, we observe the relationship between zinc and microglia, attempting to design new therapeutic measures against major nervous system disorders.
Insights
Zinc is vital for central nervous system health and microglia function. This review clarifies zinc
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Trace Element Metabolism
Background:
- Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for central nervous system (CNS) health.
- Microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, perform vital functions including neuroprotection and immune surveillance.
- Microglial activation into M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (repair) phenotypes is influenced by the microenvironment, impacting disease progression or repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neurological functions of zinc and microglia.
- To elucidate the ambiguous role of zinc in microglial activation, phenotype, and function.
- To explore the impact of zinc homeostasis on microglial function in CNS diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on zinc and microglia in neurological contexts.
- Analysis of studies investigating zinc's effects on microglial activation and phenotypes.
- Examination of the relationship between zinc homeostasis and microglial roles in CNS disorders.
Main Results:
- Zinc is essential for microglial activation, but its precise effects on cytotoxicity and phenotype remain unclear.
- Altered zinc homeostasis significantly influences microglial function within the CNS.
- Understanding the zinc-microglia interaction is key to addressing CNS diseases.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to clarify the complex and often ambiguous role of zinc in microglial biology.
- Targeting zinc homeostasis presents a potential therapeutic strategy for major nervous system disorders.
- Elucidating the precise mechanisms of zinc's influence on microglia can lead to novel treatments for neurological conditions.
