Role of Zinc in Mucosal Health and Disease: A Review of Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Processes

Abstract

Zinc is an essential trace element of all highly proliferating cells in the human body. It is essential to the development and growth of all organisms. Zinc plays a critical role in modulating resistance to infectious agents and reduces the duration, severity, and risk of diarrheal disease via improved regeneration of intestinal epithelium, improved absorption of water and electrolytes, increased levels of brush border enzymes, and, possibly, an enhancement in the immune response allowing better clearance of pathogens. On the cellular level, zinc finger motifs play various roles including diverse functions that involve specific gene expression for ion channels throughout the body. It maintains the function and the structure of the membrane barrier by contributing to host defense, which is particularly crucial in the intestines due to the continuous exposure to noxious agents and pathogens. Zinc deficiency is characterized by impaired immune function, loss of appetite, and growth retardation. More severe cases cause diarrhea, delayed sexual maturation, hair loss, eye and skin lesions, impotence and hypogonadism in males, as well as weight loss, taste abnormalities, delayed healing of wounds, and mental lethargy. The objective of this study is a critical review of the molecular and genetic regulation of zinc in various cellular processes and organs, the association between zinc and diarrheal disease, the recommended dietary zinc intake, and the effects of zinc deficiency on the human body.

Behavioural multigenerational effects induced by the administration of very low doses of zinc during pregnancy, lactation, and prepuberal period in the rat

“…The specific brain processes whereby Zn produces the behavioral changes observed in this study are unknown. Zn has complex participation in many molecular processes essential to cell functioning [3,7,9,[18][19][20]. Another interesting point from these results is that whatever the intrinsic mechanism the trace element may have, it is fully expressed in the next generation through the F1 mother rat since the male partner at mating is a normal male unexposed to the Zn treatment.…”

“…Another key participation of this bivalent trace element in cellular homeostatic reactions is the formation of Zn finger proteins, a group of cell molecules that regulate gene expression [4,6]. Alternatively, Zn is involved in the regulation of sleep [7], anxiety, and depression [8], and maintenance and regeneration of intestinal epithelial tissue [9]. This evidence emphasizes the versatile and crucial role of Zn cell physiology.…”

Albumin Substitution in Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis: Don’t Forget Zinc

“…Moreover, zinc serves as a membrane stabilizer and is also important for mucosal health, e.g., in the intestines [54]. The authors of [54] discuss molecular and genetic regulation of numerous processes in various organs in the context of diarrhea, zinc deficiency, and zinc supplementation.…”

“…Moreover, zinc serves as a membrane stabilizer and is also important for mucosal health, e.g., in the intestines [54]. The authors of [54] discuss molecular and genetic regulation of numerous processes in various organs in the context of diarrhea, zinc deficiency, and zinc supplementation. In response to mitogens, zinc-deficient individuals displayed reduced proliferation of lymphocytes and other alterations, all of which could be rectified by zinc supplementation.…”

The inorganic chemicals that surround us: role of tellurium, selenium and zinc on behavioural functions in mammals

“…In addition, biological actions of Zn are not strictly limited to those processes above mentioned. A variety of behavioural effects which include regulation of sleep, anxiety, depression, maintenance and regeneration of epithelial cells in the intestine have been also described [54][55][56]. The diverse physiological actions showed by Zn should be taken into consideration when the trace element is provided to a biological system.…”