Endocrine interaction between zinc and prolactin. An interpretative review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Human Metabolism
• Trace Element Research

Background:

• Zinc is an essential trace element with a broad impact on metabolism.
• It regulates over 300 enzymes involved in DNA/RNA synthesis, gene expression, and immunity.
• Zinc influences hormonal homeostasis, interacting with various hormones like thyroid, steroid, insulin, and pituitary hormones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on zinc's role in metabolism and hormonal homeostasis.
• To highlight zinc's interaction with specific hormones, particularly prolactin (PRL).
• To explore the potential clinical applications of zinc based on its inhibitory effect on PRL secretion.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on zinc's metabolic and hormonal functions.
• Analysis of biochemical and physiological data concerning zinc's interaction with enzymes and hormones.
• Examination of research on zinc's effect on prolactin (PRL) secretion.

Main Results:

• Zinc is a critical cofactor for over 300 enzymes, impacting key metabolic pathways.
• Zinc significantly influences hormonal homeostasis, showing close relationships with thyroid, steroid, insulin, parathormone, and pituitary hormones.
• Zinc ions (Zn2+) inhibit prolactin (PRL) secretion at physiologically relevant concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Zinc plays a fundamental role in numerous metabolic processes and enzyme functions.
• The inhibitory effect of zinc on prolactin secretion presents promising avenues for clinical applications.
• Further research into zinc's hormonal interactions could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.