Title:Genetic Polymorphisms and Zinc Status: Implications for Supplementation in Metabolic Diseases
VOLUME: 24 ISSUE: 35
Author(s):Fabio Virgili, Roberto Ambra, Jacqueline McCormack, Ellen E.A. Simpson, Donatella Ciarapica, Lorenzo Barnaba, Elena Azzini and Angela Polito*
Affiliation:Research Centre for Food and Nutrition- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Research Centre for Food and Nutrition- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Clinical Health & Nutrition Centre, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Research Centre for Food and Nutrition- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Research Centre for Food and Nutrition- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Research Centre for Food and Nutrition- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Research Centre for Food and Nutrition- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome
Keywords:Zinc, genetic polymorphisms, metallothionein, zinc transporters, immune function, non- communicable disease.
Abstract:Background: Zinc is an essential component for all living organisms, representing the second most
abundant trace element, after iron. This element is widely distributed in the tissues of a human body where it is
involved in normal growth, reproduction and several biological functions including immunity, energy metabolism
and antioxidant processes. Because of its essential role, zinc levels in the human body must remain constant,
independently of dietary intake fluctuations. The homeostasis of zinc is a well-regulated cellular process and has
been reported to be chiefly mediated by the expression and activity of zinc-binding proteins such as metallothioneins
and zinc transporters. Genes encoding for these proteins are subjected to genetic variants.
Methods: We performed a multi-database electronic search to provide an overview on the relationship between
specific polymorphisms (SNP) of genes encoding for metallothioneins and zinc transporters and their relationship
with zinc status, immune function and some non-communicable diseases.
Results: A number of SNP are implicated in a range of metabolic disease. Some SNP may affect the impact of
zinc supplementation on immune function, diabetes, and obesity.
Conclusion: New studies are needed to clarify the interaction between individual genetic profile and zinc status.
Moreover, there is a need for a better interaction between the scientific bodies and health professionals to allow
better dietary and behavioural recommendations to promote human health, with particular concern to elderly
people.
