Participação da inflamação sobre o metabolismo do zinco na obesidade

Abstract

This review reports on aspects of zinc metabolism in obesity, as well as the participation of this mineral in disorders that are associated with the disease's pathophysiology. Inflammation, which is present in obese individuals, is directly related to zinc metabolism, and may increase zinc content in hepatocytes and adipocytes at the expense of zinc in blood components. It has been shown that high concentrations of glucocorticoids, which are usual in obese individuals, lead to reduced levels of zinc in plasma and an increased uptake of zinc by the liver. There is an inverse correlation between tumor necrosis factor a and zinc-α2-glycoprotein, which is considered a potential candidate in the modulation of body weight. In obese individuals, changes have also been observed in the compartmentalization of zinc and its relationship with adipocytokines, which are normally present at high concentrations in these patients. Therefore, it is important to understand the possible pathophysiological mechanisms, since zinc may contribute to the control of inflammatory and metabolic disorders that are commonly present in obese patients.