 |
|
Got zinc? New zinc research suggests novel therapeutic targets
July 31, 2009New report in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that zinc activates a key protein on T cells needed to fight infections
Everyone knows that vitamins "from A to zinc" are important for good health. Now, a new research study in the August 2009 print issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology (http://www.jleukbio.org) suggests that zinc may be pointing the way to new therapeutic targets for fighting infections. Specifically, scientists from Florida found that zinc not only supports healthy immune function, but increases activation of the cells (T cells) responsible for destroying viruses and bacteria.
"It has been shown that zinc supplementation significantly reduces the duration and severity of childhood diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, and incidence of malaria in zinc-deficient children," said report co-author, Robert Cousins, Ph.D., who also is the director of the Center for Nutritional Sciences within the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida. "Age-related declines in immune function have also been related to zinc deficiency in the elderly."
Scientists administered either a zinc supplement or a placebo to healthy volunteers to assess the effects of zinc on T cell activation. After isolating the T cells from the blood, scientists then simulated infection in laboratory conditions. Results showed that T cells taken from the zinc-supplemented group had higher activation than those from the placebo group. Specifically, cell activation stimulated the zinc transporter in T cells called "ZIP8," which transports stored zinc into the cell cytoplasm where it then alters the expression of a T cell protein in a way needed to fight infections.
"As the debate over zinc supplementation in healthy individuals continues," said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, "studies like this help shed light on how zinc may enhance the ability of our immune systems to fight off foreign invaders. Equally important, this work points toward new possible targets for entirely new drugs to help augment immune function and prevent or stop infections that might be resistant to traditional antibiotics."
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Scientists administered either a zinc supplement or a placebo to healthy volunteers to assess the effects of zinc on T cell activation. After isolating the T cells from the blood, scientists then simulated infection in laboratory conditions. Results showed that T cells taken from the zinc-supplemented group had higher activation than those from the placebo group. Specifically, cell activation stimulated the zinc transporter in T cells called "ZIP8," which transports stored zinc into the cell cytoplasm where it then alters the expression of a T cell protein in a way needed to fight infections.
"As the debate over zinc supplementation in healthy individuals continues," said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, "studies like this help shed light on how zinc may enhance the ability of our immune systems to fight off foreign invaders. Equally important, this work points toward new possible targets for entirely new drugs to help augment immune function and prevent or stop infections that might be resistant to traditional antibiotics."
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Zinc Current Events and Zinc News RSSLet them eat snail
A nutritionist in Nigeria says that malnutrition and iron deficiency in schoolchildren could be reduced in her country by baking up snail pie.
CSHL team solves structure of NMDA receptor unit that could be drug target for neurological diseases
A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) reports on Thursday their success in solving the molecular structure of a key portion of a cellular receptor implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other serious illnesses.
Hybrid molecules show promise for exploring, treating Alzheimer's
One of the many mysteries of Alzheimer's disease is how protein-like snippets called amyloid-beta peptides, which clump together to form plaques in the brain, may cause cell death, leading to the disease's devastating symptoms of memory loss and other mental difficulties.
Cataract surgery helps AMD patients; steroid improves DME; online eye health forum
This month's Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) reports on a national study that finds cataract surgery is likely to benefit patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at all stages of the disease, on a clinical trial showing that the steroid triamcinolone may be effective in advanced diabetic macular edema (DME) patients when standard treatment fails, and on the public's use of two Academy-sponsored online eye health forums.
Mortality Rates Reduced among Children Whose Mothers Received Iron-folic Acid Supplements
Offspring whose mothers had been supplemented with iron-folic acid during pregnancy had dramatically reduced mortality through age 7, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Protein interaction network can respond Helicobacter pylori infection?
Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is a gram negative bacterium which infects about 50% of the world population. H pylori colonization causes a strong systemic immune response.
Countries slow to use lifesaving diarrhea treatments for children
Despite evidence that low-cost diarrhea treatments such as lower osmolarity oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc supplements could drastically reduce the number of deaths among children, little progress has been made in implementing these life-saving techniques.
Tracing ultra-fine dust
Fine particle emissions have been the subject of heated debate for years. People who live near industrial plants see the smoke being discharged into the atmosphere and wonder how harmful it is.
U of T led research team uncovers evolutionary origins of prion disease gene
A University of Toronto-led team has uncovered the evolutionary ancestry of the prion gene, which may reveal new understandings of how the prion protein causes diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as "mad cow disease."
Lotus Plant-Inspired Dust-Busting Shield to Protect Space Gear
A plant that lives along muddy waterways in Asia has inspired a NASA team to develop a special coating to prevent dirt and even bacteria from sticking to and contaminating the surfaces of spaceflight gear.
More Zinc Current Events and Zinc News Articles
 |
Spring Valley - Zinc 50 mg, 200 Caplets by Perrigo Zinc is essential for energy metabolism, proper growth and normal reproductive development. Zinc is essential for normal tissue renewal and skeletal development. Zinc helps maintain a healthy immune system. |
 |
Spring Valley - Zinc 50 mg, 100 Caplets by Perrigo. Zinc is essential for energy metabolism, proper growth and normal reproductive development. Zinc is essential for normal tissue renewal and skeletal development. Zinc helps maintain a healthy immune system. |
 |
Nature's Bounty Chelated Zinc (Zinc Gluconate), 50 mg, 100 Caplets (Pack of 4) by Nature's Bounty Dietary Supplement. Helps Promote Immune Function. Zinc: Plays a role in over 300 enzymes in the body. Assists in the formation of DNA, the cell's genetic material. Is essential for cell division and growth. Assists in the proper functioning of the hormon |
 |
Vitamin Shoppe - Zinc, 50 mg, 100 capsules by Vitamin Shoppe |
 |
Nature Made Stress B-Complex Supplement Tablets for Her with Vitamin C and Zinc, 60-Count Bottles (Pack of 3) by Nature Made Supplement. USP verified. Recommended by pharmacists. B Vitamins help convert food into energy. This formula also includes zinc which has an essential role in growth and development and in strengthening the body's natural defense system. No artificial col |
 |
Zinc (Gluconate) 50 mg 250 Caps by Swanson Premium Brand Reinforce your body's natural defenses with the trace mineral nutrition of zinc! As a crucial component of one of the body's primary antioxidant enzymes, zinc provides valuable nutritional support for the immune system, prostate, eyes, liver and more. Our high-potency 50 mg zinc gluconate capsules are a great way to replenish your body's stores of this essential mineral. |
 |
Zinc Picolinate (50mg) 120 caps by NOW Zinc is as essential mineral that plays an important role in many enzymatic functions. Found primarily in the kidney, liver, pancreas, and brain, Zinc also helps support healthy immune system functions and is an important component of bodily antioxidant systems. * Picture may be of different size or flavor |
|
|
Spring Valley - Zinc 50 mg, 200 Caplets by Perrigo. Zinc is essential for energy metabolism, proper growth and normal reproductive development. Zinc is essential for normal tissue renewal and skeletal development. Zinc helps maintain a healthy immune system. |
 |
Liqumins Cal/Mag/Zinc Liquid Supplement, Natural Pina Colada Flavor, 32-Ounce Bottle by Trace Minerals Research Liqumins Pina Colada Flavored Liquid Supplement contains Vitamin D, premium calcium, magnesium and zinc complex with ionic minerals from concentrate. Cal/Mag/Zinc is a dietary supplement with ConcenTrace. Its complementary blend of premium forms of calcium, magnesium and zinc help to ensure the highest assimilation and balance of these minerals in the body. We've also included Vitamin D to create a formula that provides complete nutrition to sustain bone, muscle, and connective tissue health. (This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. ConcenTrace is a trade name for concentrated sea minerals from the Great Salt Lake.) |
 |
Nature Made Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc with Vitamin D, 100-Count Tablets (Pack of 3) by Nature Made Nature Made Calcium, Magnesium & Zinc 3-pack/100-count |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |