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Zinc may regulate serum leptin concentrations in humans
C S Mantzoros1, A S Prasad, F W Beck
1Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition
|June 17, 1998
Summary
Zinc status impacts leptin levels in humans. Supplementation of zinc increased leptin, potentially by boosting interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Nutritional science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Leptin regulates energy balance, appetite, and metabolism.
- Zinc is crucial for appetite regulation.
- The interplay between zinc status and the leptin system requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between zinc status and the human leptin system.
- To determine how dietary zinc affects serum leptin levels.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy men with diet-induced marginal zinc deficiency were studied.
- Leptin levels were measured before and after zinc supplementation.
Main Results:
- Zinc restriction led to decreased leptin levels.
- Zinc supplementation in deficient subjects elevated circulating leptin.
- Supplementation also increased interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production.
Conclusions:
- Zinc status may influence serum leptin concentrations.
- Increased IL-2 and TNF-alpha production could mediate the effect of zinc on leptin.