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Shan D, Chen Q, Xie Y, Dai S, Hu Y. Current understanding of essential trace elements in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Biometals 2024; 37:943-953. [PMID: 38367126 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-024-00586-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Trace elements are important components in the body and have fundamental roles in maintaining a healthy and balanced pregnancy process. Either deficiency or excess of trace elements, including selenium, iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium can lead to pregnancy complications. As a rare disorder during pregnancy of unknown aetiology, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) poses a significant risk to the fetus of perinatal mortality. ICP is a multifactorial complication of which the pathogenesis is still an enigma. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the association of ICP with some trace elements. Evidence from retrospective studies in humans further revealed the possible contributing roles of trace elements in the pathogenesis of ICP. The published literature on the association of trace elements with ICP was reviewed. Recent advances in molecular biological techniques from animal studies have helped to elucidate the possible mechanisms by how these trace elements function in regulating oxidative reactions, inflammatory reactions and immune balance in the maternal-fetal interface, as well as the influence on hepato-intestinal circulation of bile acid. The scenario regarding the role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of ICP is still developing. The administration or depletion of these trace elements may have promising effects in alleviating the symptoms and improving the pregnancy outcomes of ICP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, South Renmin Road, Section 3, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, South Renmin Road, Section 3, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yupei Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, South Renmin Road, Section 3, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Siyu Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, South Renmin Road, Section 3, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yayi Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, South Renmin Road, Section 3, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Popoola JO, Ojuederie OB, Aworunse OS, Adelekan A, Oyelakin AS, Oyesola OL, Akinduti PA, Dahunsi SO, Adegboyega TT, Oranusi SU, Ayilara MS, Omonhinmin CA. Nutritional, functional, and bioactive properties of african underutilized legumes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1105364. [PMID: 37123863 PMCID: PMC10141332 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1105364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Globally, legumes are vital constituents of diet and perform critical roles in maintaining well-being owing to the dense nutritional contents and functional properties of their seeds. While much emphasis has been placed on the major grain legumes over the years, the neglected and underutilized legumes (NULs) are gaining significant recognition as probable crops to alleviate malnutrition and give a boost to food security in Africa. Consumption of these underutilized legumes has been associated with several health-promoting benefits and can be utilized as functional foods due to their rich dietary fibers, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), proteins/essential amino acids, micro-nutrients, and bioactive compounds. Despite the plethora of nutritional benefits, the underutilized legumes have not received much research attention compared to common mainstream grain legumes, thus hindering their adoption and utilization. Consequently, research efforts geared toward improvement, utilization, and incorporation into mainstream agriculture in Africa are more convincing than ever. This work reviews some selected NULs of Africa (Adzuki beans (Vigna angularis), African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis), Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), Marama bean (Tylosema esculentum), Mung bean, (Vigna radiata), Rice bean (Vigna Umbellata), and Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus)), and their nutritional, and functional properties. Furthermore, we highlight the prospects and current challenges associated with the utilization of the NULs and discusses the strategies to facilitate their exploitation as not only sources of vital nutrients, but also their integration for the development of cheap and accessible functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Olagbenro Popoola
- Pure and Applied Biology Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences/Biotechnology Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
- *Correspondence: Jacob Olagbenro Popoola, ; Omena B. Ojuederie,
| | - Omena B. Ojuederie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kings University, Ode-Omu, Osun, Nigeria
- Food Security and Safety Focus, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Jacob Olagbenro Popoola, ; Omena B. Ojuederie,
| | | | - Aminat Adelekan
- Department of Chemical and Food Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun S. Oyelakin
- Department of Pure and Applied Botany, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Olusola Luke Oyesola
- Department of Biological Sciences/Biotechnology Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Paul A. Akinduti
- Department of Biological Sciences/Biotechnology Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Olatunde Dahunsi
- Microbiology Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun, Nigeria
- The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Taofeek T. Adegboyega
- Food Security and Safety Focus, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
- Biology Unit, Faculty of Science, Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Solomon U. Oranusi
- Department of Biological Sciences/Biotechnology Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Modupe S. Ayilara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kings University, Ode-Omu, Osun, Nigeria
- Food Security and Safety Focus, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Conrad A. Omonhinmin
- Department of Biological Sciences/Biotechnology Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
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Demircan K, Chillon TS, Bracken T, Bulgarelli I, Campi I, Du Laing G, Fafi-Kremer S, Fugazzola L, Garcia A, Heller R, Hughes DJ, Ide L, Klingenberg GJ, Komarnicki P, Krasinski Z, Lescure A, Mallon P, Moghaddam A, Persani L, Petrovic M, Ruchala M, Solis M, Vandekerckhove L, Schomburg L. Association of COVID-19 mortality with serum selenium, zinc and copper: Six observational studies across Europe. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1022673. [PMID: 36518764 PMCID: PMC9742896 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1022673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Certain trace elements are essential for life and affect immune system function, and their intake varies by region and population. Alterations in serum Se, Zn and Cu have been associated with COVID-19 mortality risk. We tested the hypothesis that a disease-specific decline occurs and correlates with mortality risk in different countries in Europe. Methods Serum samples from 551 COVID-19 patients (including 87 non-survivors) who had participated in observational studies in Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Poland) were analyzed for trace elements by total reflection X-ray fluorescence. A subset (n=2069) of the European EPIC study served as reference. Analyses were performed blinded to clinical data in one analytical laboratory. Results Median levels of Se and Zn were lower than in EPIC, except for Zn in Italy. Non-survivors consistently had lower Se and Zn concentrations than survivors and displayed an elevated Cu/Zn ratio. Restricted cubic spline regression models revealed an inverse nonlinear association between Se or Zn and death, and a positive association between Cu/Zn ratio and death. With respect to patient age and sex, Se showed the highest predictive value for death (AUC=0.816), compared with Zn (0.782) or Cu (0.769). Discussion The data support the potential relevance of a decrease in serum Se and Zn for survival in COVID-19 across Europe. The observational study design cannot account for residual confounding and reverse causation, but supports the need for intervention trials in COVID-19 patients with severe Se and Zn deficiency to test the potential benefit of correcting their deficits for survival and convalescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Demircan
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thilo Samson Chillon
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tommy Bracken
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ilaria Bulgarelli
- Laboratorio Analisi Cliniche, Centro di Ricerche e Tecnologie Biomediche, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Irene Campi
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Gijs Du Laing
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Applied Ecochemistry, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Samira Fafi-Kremer
- CHU de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Virologie, Strasbourg University, INSERM, IRM UMR-S 1109, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura Fugazzola
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alejandro Abner Garcia
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Raban Heller
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Clinic of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David J. Hughes
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Louis Ide
- Laboratory Medicine, AZ Jan Palfijn AV, Gent, Belgium
| | - Georg Jochen Klingenberg
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pawel Komarnicki
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Krasinski
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alain Lescure
- Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Patrick Mallon
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Luca Persani
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Marek Ruchala
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Morgane Solis
- CHU de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Virologie, Strasbourg University, INSERM, IRM UMR-S 1109, Strasbourg, France
| | - Linos Vandekerckhove
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Lutz Schomburg
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Lutz Schomburg,
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Fath MK, Naderi M, Hamzavi H, Ganji M, Shabani S, Ghahroodi FN, Khalesi B, Pourzardosht N, Hashemi ZS, Khalili S. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic effects of different vitamins and minerals in COVID-19 patients. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 73:127044. [PMID: 35901669 PMCID: PMC9297660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading disease, which has caught the world by surprise. Millions of people suffer from illness, and the mortality rates are dramatically high. Currently, there is no specific and immediate treatment for this disease. Remedies are limited to supportive regiments and few antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. The lack of a definite cure for COVID-19 is the reason behind its high mortality and global prevalence. COVID-19 can lead to a critical illness with severe respiratory distress and cytokine release. Increased oxidative stress and excessive production of inflammatory cytokines are vital components of severe COVID-19. Micronutrients, metalloids, and vitamins such as iron, manganese, selenium, Zinc, Copper, vitamin A, B family, and C are among the essential and trace elements that play a pivotal role in human nutrition and health. They participate in metabolic processes that lead to energy production. In addition, they support immune functions and act as antioxidants. Therefore, maintaining an optimal level of micronutrients intake, particularly those with antioxidant activities, is essential to fight against oxidative stress, modulate inflammation, and boost the immune system. Therefore, these factors could play a crucial role in COVID-19 prevention and treatment. In this review, we aimed to summarize antiviral properties of different vitamins and minerals. Moreover, we will investigate the correlation between them and their effects in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Malihe Naderi
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran; Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hosna Hamzavi
- Department of Biology, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ganji
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Shabani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Noorabad Ghahroodi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran. Iran.
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran.
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5
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Hassan ME, Hassan MA, El-Nekeety AA, Abdel-Aziem SH, Bakeer RM, Abdel-Wahhab MA. Zinc-loaded whey protein nanoparticles alleviate the oxidative damage and enhance the gene expression of inflammatory mediators in rats. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 73:127030. [PMID: 35779434 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element required for the function of the immune system. However, Zn fortification of food has faced some challenges, although excess Zn may be induced obesity and other related. This study aimed to use Zn-loaded whey protein nanoparticles (Zn-WPNPs) to enhance the immunomodulatory activity of Zn in rats treated with CCl4. METHODS Zn was loaded to WPNPs at a level of 14 mg/g. Four experimental groups of male albino Wistar rats were treated for 30 days including the control group, CCl4-treated group (0.5 ml/100 g b.w), Zn plus CCl4-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w), and CCl4 plus Zn-WPNPs-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w). Blood and tissue samples were collected for different assays and histological examinations. RESULTS The results revealed that CCl4 disturbs the serum biochemical, hematological, and immune indicators in different organs besides the liver as a target organ. Animals that received CCl4 showed a significant increase in oxidative stress markers, cytokines, and the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators in the lung and spleen accompanied by a significant decrease in the hepatic and renal antioxidant enzymes along with histological changes in the liver, kidney, spleen, and lung. Zn or Zn-WPNPs could improve these parameters and the histological picture of the tested organs and Zn-WPNPs were more effective than Zn alone. CONCLUSION WPNPs induced synergistic immune-modulating effects which may control Zn release and may be a suitable candidate to enhance the immune system during any pandemic or the exposure to any chemicals that affect the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa E Hassan
- Toxicology Department, Research Institute of Medical Entomology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona A Hassan
- Food Evaluation and Food Science Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt
| | - Aziza A El-Nekeety
- Food Toxicology & Contaminants Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Rofanda M Bakeer
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mosaad A Abdel-Wahhab
- Food Toxicology & Contaminants Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
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Sadeghsoltani F, Mohammadzadeh I, Safari MM, Hassanpour P, Izadpanah M, Qujeq D, Moein S, Vaghari-Tabari M. Zinc and Respiratory Viral Infections: Important Trace Element in Anti-viral Response and Immune Regulation. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:2556-2571. [PMID: 34368933 PMCID: PMC8349606 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02859-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-COV2 are among the most dangerous respiratory viruses. Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients and is very important in the immune system. The aim of this narrative review is to review the most interesting findings about the importance of zinc in the anti-viral immune response in the respiratory tract and defense against influenza, RSV, and SARS-COV2 infections. The most interesting findings on the role of zinc in regulating immunity in the respiratory tract and the relationship between zinc and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are reviewed, as well. Besides, current findings regarding the relationship between zinc and the effectiveness of respiratory viruses' vaccines are reviewed. The results of reviewed studies have shown that zinc and some zinc-dependent proteins are involved in anti-viral defense and immune regulation in the respiratory tract. It seems that zinc can reduce the viral titer following influenza infection. Zinc may reduce RSV burden in the lungs. Zinc can be effective in reducing the duration of viral pneumonia symptoms. Zinc may enhance the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in reducing mortality rate in COVID-19 patients. Besides, zinc has a positive effect in preventing ARDS and ventilator-induced lung damage. The relationship between zinc levels and the effectiveness of respiratory viruses' vaccines, especially influenza vaccines, is still unclear, and the findings are somewhat contradictory. In conclusion, zinc has anti-viral properties and is important in defending against respiratory viral infections and regulating the immune response in the respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sadeghsoltani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Daneshgah Street, P.O. Box 51666-14711, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Iraj Mohammadzadeh
- Non-Communicable Pediatric Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mir-Meghdad Safari
- Virtual School of Medical Education and Management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Hassanpour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Daneshgah Street, P.O. Box 51666-14711, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Melika Izadpanah
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Durdi Qujeq
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center (CMBRC), Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Soheila Moein
- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Vaghari-Tabari
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Daneshgah Street, P.O. Box 51666-14711, Tabriz, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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7
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Joulaei H, Keshani P, Foroozanfar Z, Zamanian D, Hassani A, Parvizi F, Khadem Y, Omidifar N, Davarpanah MA. Serum zinc associated with immunity and inflammatory markers in Covid-19. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:702-711. [PMID: 35480398 PMCID: PMC8990765 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the association between serum zinc level with some inflammatory and immunity factors and the duration of hospitalization and mortality rate in patients diagnosed with Covid-19. In this cross-sectional study, blood samples were taken from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive patients. New patients diagnosed with Covid-19, admitted to different public hospital wards, were considered eligible for entering the study. The study was done on 179 hospitalized patients diagnosed with Covid-19. Fourteen patients died during the hospitalization and the in-hospital mortality rate was 7.8%, with 9.1% (13 patients) of patients with serum zinc level less than 70 mcg/dL and 3.4% (1 patient) of patients with zinc levels more than 70 mcg/dL. Higher levels of zinc were significantly associated with a higher and lower level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) (p-value = 0.035) and interleukin (IL)-6 (p-value = 0.004), respectively. The level of serum zinc did not have a significant association with mortality even after adjusting for confounding factors. The relationship between zinc level and the duration of hospitalization was also not significant. In conclusion, serum zinc level had an association with IL-6 and IFN-γ level, but it did not have any significant association with hospital duration or mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Joulaei
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Parisa Keshani
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Zohre Foroozanfar
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Daniel Zamanian
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | | | - Fateme Parvizi
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Yasaman Khadem
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Navid Omidifar
- Clinical Education Research Center, and Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Davarpanah
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
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Promising fluconazole based zinc(II) and copper(II) coordination polymers against Chagas disease. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 233:111834. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Singh S, Kishore D, Singh RK. Potential for Further Mismanagement of Fever During COVID-19 Pandemic: Possible Causes and Impacts. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:751929. [PMID: 35308547 PMCID: PMC8924660 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.751929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fever remains an integral part of acute infectious diseases management, especially for those without effective therapeutics, but the widespread myths about "fevers" and the presence of confusing guidelines from different agencies, which have heightened during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and are open to alternate interpretation, could deny whole populations the benefits of fever. Guidelines suggesting antipyresis for 37.8-39°C fever are concerning as 39°C boosts the protective heat-shock and immune response (humoral, cell-mediated, and nutritional) whereas ≥40°C initiates/enhances the antiviral responses and restricts high-temperature adapted pathogens, e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), strains of influenza, and measles. Urgent attention is accordingly needed to address the situation because of the potential public health consequences of the existence of conflicting guidelines in the public domain. We have in this article attempted to restate the benefits of fever in disease resolution, dispel myths, and underline the need for alignment of national treatment guidelines with that of the WHO, to promote appropriate practices and reduce the morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Dhiraj Kishore
- Department of General Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rakesh K. Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Krone A, Fu Y, Schreiber S, Kotrba J, Borde L, Nötzold A, Thurm C, Negele J, Franz T, Stegemann-Koniszewski S, Schreiber J, Garbers C, Shukla A, Geffers R, Schraven B, Reinhold D, Dudeck A, Reinhold A, Müller AJ, Kahlfuss S. Ionic mitigation of CD4 + T cell metabolic fitness, Th1 central nervous system autoimmunity and Th2 asthmatic airway inflammation by therapeutic zinc. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1943. [PMID: 35121767 PMCID: PMC8816938 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04827-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T helper (Th) cells provide immunity to pathogens but also contribute to detrimental immune responses during allergy and autoimmunity. Th2 cells mediate asthmatic airway inflammation and Th1 cells are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. T cell activation involves complex transcriptional networks and metabolic reprogramming, which enable proliferation and differentiation into Th1 and Th2 cells. The essential trace element zinc has reported immunomodulatory capacity and high zinc concentrations interfere with T cell function. However, how high doses of zinc affect T cell gene networks and metabolism remained so far elusive. Herein, we demonstrate by means of transcriptomic analysis that zinc aspartate (UNIZINK), a registered pharmaceutical infusion solution with high bioavailability, negatively regulates gene networks controlling DNA replication and the energy metabolism of murine CD3/CD28-activated CD4+ T cells. Specifically, in the presence of zinc, CD4+ T cells show impaired expression of cell cycle, glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle genes, which functionally cumulates in reduced glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, metabolic fitness and viability. Moreover, high zinc concentrations impaired nuclear expression of the metabolic transcription factor MYC, prevented Th1 and Th2 differentiation in vitro and reduced Th1 autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and Th2 asthmatic airway inflammation induced by house dust mites in vivo. Together, we find that higher zinc doses impair the metabolic fitness of CD4+ T cells and prevent Th1 CNS autoimmunity and Th2 allergy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aspartic Acid/analogs & derivatives
- Aspartic Acid/pharmacology
- Asthma/drug therapy
- Asthma/genetics
- Asthma/immunology
- Asthma/metabolism
- Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics
- Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Central Nervous System/drug effects
- Central Nervous System/immunology
- Central Nervous System/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/drug therapy
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/genetics
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Energy Metabolism/drug effects
- Energy Metabolism/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Immunomodulating Agents/pharmacology
- Lung/drug effects
- Lung/immunology
- Lung/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphocyte Activation/genetics
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Pneumonia/drug therapy
- Pneumonia/genetics
- Pneumonia/immunology
- Pneumonia/metabolism
- Pyroglyphidae/immunology
- Signal Transduction
- Th1 Cells/drug effects
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Th1 Cells/metabolism
- Th2 Cells/drug effects
- Th2 Cells/immunology
- Th2 Cells/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
- Zinc Compounds/pharmacology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Krone
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yan Fu
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Simon Schreiber
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Kotrba
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Loisa Borde
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aileen Nötzold
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Thurm
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Negele
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Franz
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Stegemann-Koniszewski
- Experimental Pneumology, Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Magdeburg/Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jens Schreiber
- Experimental Pneumology, Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Magdeburg/Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Garbers
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aniruddh Shukla
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Genome Analytics, Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Burkhart Schraven
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Reinhold
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne Dudeck
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Annegret Reinhold
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas J Müller
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Intravital Microscopy of Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sascha Kahlfuss
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.
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11
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Baarz BR, Rink L. Rebalancing the unbalanced aged immune system - A special focus on zinc. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 74:101541. [PMID: 34915196 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, aging is understood as a dynamic and multifaceted dysregulation process that spares almost no human organ or cell. The immune system being among the most affected, it has been shown predominantly that its integrity determines the tightrope walk between the difference of escaping or suffering from age-related diseases. Next to drug-based anti-aging strategies, micronutrient intervention may represent an emerging but less radical way to slow immune aging. While a sufficient supply of a variety of micronutrients is undeniably important, adequate intake of the trace element zinc appears to tower over others in terms of reaching old age. Inconveniently, zinc deficiency prevalence among the elderly is high, which in turn contributes to increased susceptibility to infection, decreased anti-tumor immunity as well as attenuated response to vaccination. Driven by this research, this review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the various rebalancing capabilities of zinc in the unbalanced immune system of the elderly. This includes an in-depth and cell type-centered discussion on the role of zinc in immunosenescence and inflammaging. We further address upcoming translational aspects e.g. how zinc deficiency promotes the flourishing of certain pathogenic taxa of the gut microbiome and how zinc supply counteracts such alterations in a manner that may contribute to longevity. In the light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we also briefly review current knowledge on the interdependency between age, zinc status, and respiratory infections. Based on two concrete examples and considering the latest findings in the field we conclude our remarks by outlining tremendous parallels between suboptimal zinc status and accelerated aging on the one hand and an optimized zinc status and successful aging on the other hand.
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12
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Wessels I, Rolles B, Slusarenko AJ, Rink L. Zinc deficiency as a possible risk factor for increased susceptibility and severe progression of Corona Virus Disease 19. Br J Nutr 2022; 127:214-232. [PMID: 33641685 PMCID: PMC8047403 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114521000738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The importance of Zn for human health becomes obvious during Zn deficiency. Even mild insufficiencies of Zn cause alterations in haematopoiesis and immune functions, resulting in a proinflammatory phenotype and a disturbed redox metabolism. Although immune system malfunction has the most obvious effect, the functions of several tissue cell types are disturbed if Zn supply is limiting. Adhesion molecules and tight junction proteins decrease, while cell death increases, generating barrier dysfunction and possibly organ failure. Taken together, Zn deficiency both weakens the resistance of the human body towards pathogens and at the same time increases the danger of an overactive immune response that may cause tissue damage. The case numbers of Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) are still increasing, which is causing enormous problems for health systems and economies. There is an urgent need to reduce both the number of severe cases and the resulting deaths. While therapeutic options are still under investigation, and first vaccines have been approved, cost-effective ways to reduce the likelihood of or even prevent infection, and the transition from mild symptoms to more serious detrimental disease, are highly desirable. Nutritional supplementation might be an effective option to achieve these aims. In this review, we discuss known Zn deficiency effects in the context of an infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 and its currently known pathogenic mechanisms and elaborate on how severe pre-existing Zn deficiency may pre-dispose patients to a severe progression of COVID-19. First published clinical data on the association of Zn homoeostasis with COVID-19 and registered studies in progress are listed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Wessels
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074Aachen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rolles
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074Aachen, Germany
| | - Alan J. Slusarenko
- Department of Plant Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 1, 52074Aachen, Germany
| | - Lothar Rink
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074Aachen, Germany
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13
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Grüngreiff K, Gottstein T, Reinhold D, Blindauer CA. Albumin Substitution in Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis: Don't Forget Zinc. Nutrients 2021; 13:4011. [PMID: 34836265 PMCID: PMC8618355 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Decompensated liver cirrhosis has a dismal prognosis, with patients surviving on average for 2-4 years after the first diagnosis of ascites. Albumin is an important tool in the therapy of cirrhotic ascites. By virtue of its oncotic properties, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular dysfunction after paracentesis. Treatment with albumin also counteracts the development of hepatorenal syndrome and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. More recently, the positive impact of long-term albumin supplementation in liver disease, based on its pleiotropic non-oncotic activities, has been recognized. These include transport of endo- and exogenous substances, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities, and stabilizing effects on the endothelium. Besides the growing recognition that effective albumin therapy requires adjustment of the plasma level to normal physiological values, the search for substances with adjuvant activities is becoming increasingly important. More than 75% of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis do not only present with hypoalbuminemia but also with zinc deficiency. There is a close relationship between albumin and the essential trace element zinc. First and foremost, albumin is the main carrier of zinc in plasma, and is hence critical for systemic distribution of zinc. In this review, we discuss important functions of albumin in the context of metabolic, immunological, oxidative, transport, and distribution processes, alongside crucial functions and effects of zinc and their mutual dependencies. In particular, we focus on the major role of chronic inflammatory processes in pathogenesis and progression of liver cirrhosis and how albumin therapy and zinc supplementation may affect these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Grüngreiff
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, City Hospital Magdeburg GmbH, 39130 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Thomas Gottstein
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, City Hospital Magdeburg GmbH, 39130 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Dirk Reinhold
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany;
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14
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Coni P, Pichiri G, Lachowicz JI, Ravarino A, Ledda F, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Piras M, Coghe F, Gibo Y, Cau F, Castagnola M, Van Eyken P, Saba L, Piludu M, Faa G. Zinc as a Drug for Wilson's Disease, Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease and COVID-19-Related Liver Injury. Molecules 2021; 26:6614. [PMID: 34771023 PMCID: PMC8587580 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc is the second most abundant trace element in the human body, and it plays a fundamental role in human physiology, being an integral component of hundreds of enzymes and transcription factors. The discovery that zinc atoms may compete with copper for their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract let to introduce zinc in the therapy of Wilson's disease, a congenital disorder of copper metabolism characterized by a systemic copper storage. Nowadays, zinc salts are considered one of the best therapeutic approach in patients affected by Wilson's disease. On the basis of the similarities, at histological level, between Wilson's disease and non-alcoholic liver disease, zinc has been successfully introduced in the therapy of non-alcoholic liver disease, with positive effects both on insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Recently, zinc deficiency has been indicated as a possible factor responsible for the susceptibility of elderly patients to undergo infection by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we present the data correlating zinc deficiency with the insurgence and progression of Covid-19 with low zinc levels associated with severe disease states. Finally, the relevance of zinc supplementation in aged people at risk for SARS-CoV-2 is underlined, with the aim that the zinc-based drug, classically used in the treatment of copper overload, might be recorded as one of the tools reducing the mortality of COVID-19, particularly in elderly people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Joanna Izabela Lachowicz
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Alberto Ravarino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesca Ledda
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Clara Gerosa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Monica Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Ferdinando Coghe
- Dipartimento Servizi di Diagnosi e Cura, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari (A.O.U.), University of Cagliari, 09024 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Yukio Gibo
- Hepatology Clinic, 1-34-20 Muraimachiminami, Matsumoto, Nagano 399-0036, Japan;
| | - Flaviana Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Laboratorio di Proteomica e Metabonomica-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00013 Rome, Italy;
| | - Peter Van Eyken
- Department of Pathology, Genk Regional Ziekenhuis, 3600 Genk, Belgium;
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari—Polo di Monserrato s.s. 554, 09045 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
- UOC Anatomia Patologica, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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15
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Du Laing G, Petrovic M, Lachat C, De Boevre M, Klingenberg GJ, Sun Q, De Saeger S, De Clercq J, Ide L, Vandekerckhove L, Schomburg L. Course and Survival of COVID-19 Patients with Comorbidities in Relation to the Trace Element Status at Hospital Admission. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13103304. [PMID: 34684306 PMCID: PMC8541297 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements needed for appropriate immune system responses, cell signalling and anti-viral defence. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at two hospitals in Ghent, Belgium, to investigate whether Se and/or Zn deficiency upon hospital admission correlates to disease severity and mortality risk in COVID-19 patients with or without co-morbidities. Trace element concentrations along with additional biomarkers were determined in serum or plasma and associated to disease severity and outcome. An insufficient Se and/or Zn status upon hospital admission was associated with a higher mortality rate and a more severe disease course in the entire study group, especially in the senior population. In comparison to healthy European adults, the patients displayed strongly depressed total Se (mean ± SD: 59.2 ± 20.6 vs. 84.4 ± 23.4 µg L−1) and SELENOP (mean ± SD: 2.2 ± 1.9 vs. 4.3 ± 1.0 mg L−1) concentrations at hospital admission. Particularly strong associations were observed for death risk of cancer, diabetes and chronic cardiac disease patients with low Se status, and of diabetes and obese patients with Zn deficiency. A composite biomarker based on serum or plasma Se, SELENOP and Zn at hospital admission proved to be a reliable tool to predict severe COVID-19 course and death, or mild disease course. We conclude that trace element assessment at hospital admission may contribute to a better stratification of patients with COVID-19 and other similar infectious diseases, support clinical care, therapeutic interventions and adjuvant supplementation needs, and may prove of particular relevance for patients with relevant comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs Du Laing
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Applied Ecochemistry, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (M.P.); (J.D.C.); (L.V.)
| | - Carl Lachat
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium;
| | - Marthe De Boevre
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (M.D.B.); (S.D.S.)
| | - Georg J. Klingenberg
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Hessische Straße 3-4, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (G.J.K.); (Q.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Qian Sun
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Hessische Straße 3-4, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (G.J.K.); (Q.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (M.D.B.); (S.D.S.)
| | - Jozefien De Clercq
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (M.P.); (J.D.C.); (L.V.)
| | - Louis Ide
- Laboratory Medicine, AZ Jan Palfijn AV, Watersportlaan 5, 9000 Gent, Belgium;
| | - Linos Vandekerckhove
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (M.P.); (J.D.C.); (L.V.)
| | - Lutz Schomburg
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Hessische Straße 3-4, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (G.J.K.); (Q.S.); (L.S.)
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16
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Relation of Serum Copper Status to Survival in COVID-19. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13061898. [PMID: 34072977 PMCID: PMC8229409 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The trace element copper (Cu) is part of our nutrition and essentially needed for several cuproenzymes that control redox status and support the immune system. In blood, the ferroxidase ceruloplasmin (CP) accounts for the majority of circulating Cu and serves as transport protein. Both Cu and CP behave as positive, whereas serum selenium (Se) and its transporter selenoprotein P (SELENOP) behave as negative acute phase reactants. In view that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) causes systemic inflammation, we hypothesized that biomarkers of Cu and Se status are regulated inversely, in relation to disease severity and mortality risk. Serum samples from COVID-19 patients were analysed for Cu by total reflection X-ray fluorescence and CP was quantified by a validated sandwich ELISA. The two Cu biomarkers correlated positively in serum from patients with COVID-19 (R = 0.42, p < 0.001). Surviving patients showed higher mean serum Cu and CP concentrations in comparison to non-survivors ([mean+/−SEM], Cu; 1475.9+/−22.7 vs. 1317.9+/−43.9 µg/L; p < 0.001, CP; 547.2.5+/−19.5 vs. 438.8+/−32.9 mg/L, p = 0.086). In contrast to expectations, total serum Cu and Se concentrations displayed a positive linear correlation in the patient samples analysed (R = 0.23, p = 0.003). Serum CP and SELENOP levels were not interrelated. Applying receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, the combination of Cu and SELENOP with age outperformed other combinations of parameters for predicting risk of death, yielding an AUC of 95.0%. We conclude that the alterations in serum biomarkers of Cu and Se status in COVID-19 are not compatible with a simple acute phase response, and that serum Cu and SELENOP levels contribute to a good prediction of survival. Adjuvant supplementation in patients with diagnostically proven deficits in Cu or Se may positively influence disease course, as both increase in survivors and are of crucial importance for the immune response and antioxidative defence systems.
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17
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Interactions of zinc- and redox-signaling pathways. Redox Biol 2021; 41:101916. [PMID: 33662875 PMCID: PMC7937829 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc and cellular oxidants such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) each participate in a multitude of physiological functions. There is considerable overlap between the affected events, including signal transduction. While there is no obvious direct connection between zinc and ROS, mainly because the bivalent cation zinc does not change its oxidation state in biological systems, these are linked by their interaction with sulfur, forming the remarkable triad of zinc, ROS, and protein thiols. First, zinc binds to reduced thiols and can be released upon oxidation. Thereby, redox signals are translated into changes in the free zinc concentration, which can act as zinc signals. Second, zinc affects oxidation of thiols in several ways, directly as well as indirectly. A protein incorporating many of these interactions is metallothionein (MT), which is rich in cysteine and capable of binding up to seven zinc ions in its fully reduced state. Zinc binding is diminished after (partial) oxidation, while thiols show increased reactivity in the absence of bound metal ions. Adding still more complexity, the MT promoter is controlled by zinc (via metal regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF-1)) as well as redox (via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)). Many signaling cascades that are important for cell proliferation or apoptosis contain protein thiols, acting as centers for crosstalk between zinc- and redox-signaling. A prominent example for shared molecular targets for zinc and ROS are active site cysteine thiols in protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP), their activity being downregulated by oxidation as well as zinc binding. Because zinc binding also protects PTP thiols form irreversible oxidation, there is a multi-faceted reciprocal interaction, illustrating that zinc- and redox-signaling are intricately linked on multiple levels.
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Serum Selenium Status as a Diagnostic Marker for the Prognosis of Liver Transplantation. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020619. [PMID: 33672988 PMCID: PMC7918136 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The trace element selenium (Se) is taken up from the diet and is metabolized mainly by hepatocytes. Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) constitutes the liver-derived Se transporter. Biosynthesis of extracellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx3) in kidney depends on SELENOP-mediated Se supply. We hypothesized that peri-operative Se status may serve as a useful prognostic marker for the outcome in patients undergoing liver transplantation due to hepatocellular carcinoma. Serum samples from liver cancer patients were routinely collected before and after transplantation. Concentrations of serum SELENOP and total Se as well as GPx3 activity were determined by standardized tests and related to survival, etiology of cirrhosis/carcinoma, preoperative neutrophiles, lymphocytes, thyrotropin (TSH) and Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. A total of 221 serum samples from 79 transplanted patients were available for analysis. The Se and SELENOP concentrations were on average below the reference ranges of healthy subjects. Patients with ethanol toxicity-dependent etiology showed particularly low SELENOP and Se concentrations and GPx3 activity. Longitudinal analysis indicated declining Se concentrations in non-survivors. We conclude that severe liver disease necessitating organ replacement is characterized by a pronounced Se deficit before, during and after transplantation. A recovering Se status after surgery is associated with positive prognosis, and an adjuvant Se supplementation may, thus, support convalescence.
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Heller RA, Sun Q, Hackler J, Seelig J, Seibert L, Cherkezov A, Minich WB, Seemann P, Diegmann J, Pilz M, Bachmann M, Ranjbar A, Moghaddam A, Schomburg L. Prediction of survival odds in COVID-19 by zinc, age and selenoprotein P as composite biomarker. Redox Biol 2021; 38:101764. [PMID: 33126054 PMCID: PMC7574778 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infections cause the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and challenge the immune system with ongoing inflammation. Several redox-relevant micronutrients are known to contribute to an adequate immune response, including the essential trace elements zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that COVID-19 patients are characterised by Zn deficiency and that Zn status provides prognostic information. Serum Zn was determined in serum samples (n = 171) collected consecutively from patients surviving COVID-19 (n = 29) or non-survivors (n = 6). Data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study were used for comparison. Zn concentrations in patient samples were low as compared to healthy subjects (mean ± SD; 717.4 ± 246.2 vs 975.7 ± 294.0 μg/L, P < 0.0001). The majority of serum samples collected at different time points from the non-survivors (25/34, i.e., 73.5%) and almost half of the samples collected from the survivors (56/137, i.e., 40.9%) were below the threshold for Zn deficiency, i.e., below 638.7 μg/L (the 2.5th percentile in the EPIC cohort). In view that the Se status biomarker and Se transporter selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is also particularly low in COVID-19, we tested the prevalence of a combined deficit, i.e., serum Zn below 638.7 μg/L and serum SELENOP below 2.56 mg/L. This combined deficit was observed in 0.15% of samples in the EPIC cohort of healthy subjects, in 19.7% of the samples collected from the surviving COVID-19 patients and in 50.0% of samples from the non-survivors. Accordingly, the composite biomarker (SELENOP and Zn with age) proved as a reliable indicator of survival in COVID-19 by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 94.42%. We conclude that Zn and SELENOP status within the reference ranges indicate high survival odds in COVID-19, and assume that correcting a diagnostically proven deficit in Se and/or Zn by a personalised supplementation may support convalescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raban Arved Heller
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, And Berlin Institute of Health, D-13353, Berlin, Germany; HTRG, Heidelberg Trauma Research Group, Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury, Heidelberg University Hospital, D-69118, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Qian Sun
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, And Berlin Institute of Health, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Julian Hackler
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, And Berlin Institute of Health, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Julian Seelig
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, And Berlin Institute of Health, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Linda Seibert
- ATORG, Aschaffenburg Trauma and Orthopedic Research Group, Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Sports Medicine, Hospital Aschaffenburg-Alzenau, D-63739, Aschaffenburg, Germany.
| | - Asan Cherkezov
- ATORG, Aschaffenburg Trauma and Orthopedic Research Group, Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Sports Medicine, Hospital Aschaffenburg-Alzenau, D-63739, Aschaffenburg, Germany.
| | - Waldemar B Minich
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, And Berlin Institute of Health, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Petra Seemann
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, And Berlin Institute of Health, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Joachim Diegmann
- ATORG, Aschaffenburg Trauma and Orthopedic Research Group, Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Sports Medicine, Hospital Aschaffenburg-Alzenau, D-63739, Aschaffenburg, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Pilz
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Manuel Bachmann
- ATORG, Aschaffenburg Trauma and Orthopedic Research Group, Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Sports Medicine, Hospital Aschaffenburg-Alzenau, D-63739, Aschaffenburg, Germany.
| | - Alireza Ranjbar
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Institute of Interventional Allergology und Immunology, Bonn, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Arash Moghaddam
- ATORG, Aschaffenburg Trauma and Orthopedic Research Group, Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Sports Medicine, Hospital Aschaffenburg-Alzenau, D-63739, Aschaffenburg, Germany
| | - Lutz Schomburg
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, And Berlin Institute of Health, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Wessels I, Fischer HJ, Rink L. Update on the multi-layered levels of zinc-mediated immune regulation. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 115:62-69. [PMID: 33323322 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The significance of zinc for an efficient immune response is well accepted. During zinc deficiency, an increase in the myeloid to lymphoid immune cells ratio was observed. This results in a disturbed balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory processes as well as defects in tolerance during infections. Consequently, instead of efficiently defending the body against invading pathogens, damage of host cells is frequently observed. This explains the increased susceptibility to infections and their severe progression observed for zinc deficient individuals as well as the association of autoimmune diseases with low serum zinc levels. Together with the advances in techniques for investigating cellular development, communication and intracellular metabolism, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the benefits of zinc for human health and the detriments of zinc deficiency has much improved. As analyses of the zinc status and effects of zinc supplementation were more frequently included into clinical studies, our knowledge of the association of zinc deficiency to a variety of diseases was strongly improved. Still there are several areas in zinc biology that require further in-depth investigation such as the interaction with other nutritional elements, the direct association between zinc transportation, membrane-structure, receptors, and signaling as well as its role in cell degeneration. This article will describe our current understanding of the role of zinc during the immune response focusing on the most recent findings and underlying mechanisms. Research questions that need to be addressed in the future will be discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Wessels
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Henrike J Fischer
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lothar Rink
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Wessels I, Rolles B, Rink L. The Potential Impact of Zinc Supplementation on COVID-19 Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1712. [PMID: 32754164 PMCID: PMC7365891 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the current corona pandemic, new therapeutic options against this viral disease are urgently desired. Due to the rapid spread and immense number of affected individuals worldwide, cost-effective, globally available, and safe options with minimal side effects and simple application are extremely warranted. This review will therefore discuss the potential of zinc as preventive and therapeutic agent alone or in combination with other strategies, as zinc meets all the above described criteria. While a variety of data on the association of the individual zinc status with viral and respiratory tract infections are available, study evidence regarding COVID-19 is so far missing but can be assumed as was indicated by others and is detailed in this perspective, focusing on re-balancing of the immune response by zinc supplementation. Especially, the role of zinc in viral-induced vascular complications has barely been discussed, so far. Interestingly, most of the risk groups described for COVID-19 are at the same time groups that were associated with zinc deficiency. As zinc is essential to preserve natural tissue barriers such as the respiratory epithelium, preventing pathogen entry, for a balanced function of the immune system and the redox system, zinc deficiency can probably be added to the factors predisposing individuals to infection and detrimental progression of COVID-19. Finally, due to its direct antiviral properties, it can be assumed that zinc administration is beneficial for most of the population, especially those with suboptimal zinc status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Wessels
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rolles
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lothar Rink
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Mossink JP. Zinc as nutritional intervention and prevention measure for COVID-19 disease. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2020; 3:111-117. [PMID: 33235974 PMCID: PMC7664497 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, provoking COVID–19 disease, progresses rapidly worldwide. In current absence of a curative treatment and an effective, safe vaccine, there is a pressing need to focus on identifying and correcting deficits in immune function in order to reduce risk of severe progress of the disease and to lower the number of infections and fatalities. This paper evaluates the most recent literature on zinc status related to antiviral immunity and its possible role in COVID–19. It is concluded that zinc is a critical factor for antiviral immunity. There is ample evidence suggesting that zinc depletion, also prevalent in high–income nations, compromises immune functions. Notably, major risk groups for COVID–19, the elderly, men more than women, obese individuals and patients with diabetes are all at risk of zinc deficiency. Moreover, various widely used antihypertensive drugs and statin therapy have been reported to negatively influence zinc status. As zinc depletion impairs antiviral immunity, it is hypothesised to increase susceptibility for COVID–19. Therefore, dietary preventive measures and prompt implementation of zinc supplementation for risk groups should be considered. Large–scale studies are urgently needed to investigate the role of micronutrients and antiviral immunity, in particular drug–micronutrient immunity interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Mossink
- LymeCenter, Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Zinc Concentration Dynamics Indicate Neurological Impairment Odds after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9050421. [PMID: 32414139 PMCID: PMC7278606 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9050421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI) is debilitating and often results in a loss of motor and sensory function caused by an interwoven set of pathological processes. Oxidative stress and inflammatory processes are amongst the critical factors in the secondary injury phase after TSCI. The essential trace element Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role during this phase as part of the antioxidant defense system. The study aims to determine dynamic patterns in serum Zn concentration in patients with TSCI and test for a correlation with neurological impairment. A total of 42 patients with TSCI were enrolled in this clinical observational study. Serum samples were collected at five different points in time after injury (at admission, and after 4 h, 9 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 3 days). The analysis of the serum Zn concentrations was conducted by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF). The patients were divided into two groups—a study group S (n = 33) with neurological impairment, including patients with remission (G1, n = 18) and no remission (G0, n = 15) according to a positive AIS (American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale) conversion within 3 months after the trauma; and a control group C (n = 9), consisting of subjects with vertebral fractures without neurological impairment. The patient data and serum concentrations were examined and compared by non-parametric test methods to the neurological outcome. The median Zn concentrations in group S dropped within the first 9 h after injury (964 µg/L at admission versus 570 µg/L at 9 h, p < 0.001). This decline was stronger than in control subjects (median of 751 µg/L versus 729 µg/L, p = 0.023). A binary logistic regression analysis including the difference in serum Zn concentration from admission to 9 h after injury yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 82.2% (CI: 64.0–100.0%) with respect to persistent neurological impairment. Early Zn concentration dynamics differed in relation to the outcome and may constitute a helpful diagnostic indicator for patients with spinal cord trauma. The fast changes in serum Zn concentrations allow an assessment of neurological impairment risk on the first day after trauma. This finding supports strategies for improving patient care by avoiding strong deficits via adjuvant nutritive measures, e.g., in unresponsive patients after trauma.
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