Zip1, Zip2, and Zip8 mRNA expressions were associated with growth hormone level during the growth hormone provocation test in children with short stature

Essential micronutrients in children and adolescents with a focus on growth and development: a narrative review

This comprehensive review examines the crucial role of micronutrients in the health of children and adolescents, focusing on their growth and development. Micronutrients, including vitamins and trace elements, are essential for various biochemical processes and biological functions. We explored the roles, assessment methods, deficiency patterns, and intervention strategies for six essential micronutrients: iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, iodine, and folate. These nutrients were selected based on their fundamental importance in pediatric development. By analyzing the current literature from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases, we synthesized findings regarding the impact of these micronutrients on health outcomes in children and adolescents, examining both regional and global prevalence data, with particular attention paid to Korean population data. This review provides evidence-based insights into the assessment and management of micronutrient status in children and adolescents and offers recommendations for clinical practice.

From zinc homeostasis to disease progression: Unveiling the neurodegenerative puzzle

Zinc is a crucial trace element in the human body, playing a role in various physiological processes such as oxidative stress, neurotransmission, protein synthesis, and DNA repair. The zinc transporters (ZnTs) family members are responsible for exporting intracellular zinc, while Zrt- and Irt-like proteins (ZIPs) are involved in importing extracellular zinc. These processes are essential for maintaining cellular zinc homeostasis. Imbalances in zinc metabolism have been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Disruptions in zinc levels can impact the survival and activity of neurons, thereby contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through mechanisms like cell apoptosis regulation, protein phase separation, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Therefore, conducting a systematic review of the regulatory network of zinc and investigating the relationship between zinc dysmetabolism and neurodegenerative diseases can enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases. Additionally, it may offer new insights and approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The effect of zinc supplementation on anthropometric measurements in healthy children over two years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Zinc deficiency is one of the most important micronutrient deficiencies in children that can affect the children's growth pattern. In this regard, different studies were conducted to assess the effect of zinc supplementation on growth patterns in healthy children. To the best of our knowledge, no systematic review has summarized the results of these studies. So, in the present study, we systematically reviewed the result of the studies that assessed the effect of zinc supplementation on anthropometric parameters in healthy, over 2-year-old children.

METHODS

A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to November 2021. Data were pooled using the random-effects method and were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The pooled results of eight studies, including 1586 participants, showed that zinc supplementation significantly increases height [(WMD): 0.9, 95% CI: (0.27, 1.52), p < 0.001], weight [(WMD): 0.51, 95% CI: (0.06, 0.97), p < 0.001], height for age (HAZ) [(WMD): 0.07, 95% CI: (0.03, 0.10), p < 0.001]. Also, meta-regression analysis did not reveal any significant association between dose and duration of intervention and anthropometric parameters.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates the beneficial effects of zinc supplementation on weight, height, and HAZ.

Upregulated Solute Carrier SLC39A1 Promotes Gastric Cancer Proliferation and Indicates Unfavorable Prognosis

Backgrounds

Solute carrier 39A1 (SLC39A1) is an indirect zinc transporter which showed diverse tumor-related functions in different malignancies. Here, we aimed to investigate its expression and role in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective gastric adenocarcinoma cohort (n = 154) was collected from our hospital to test their tissue expression of SLC39A1 through immunohistochemical staining method. After SLC39A1 overexpression or knockdown, proliferation and invasion assays were conducted for proliferation and invasion estimation, respectively. Xenograft in nude mice was used as the in vivo strategy to validate in vitro findings.

Results

Compared with adjacent stomach tissues, gastric adenocarcinoma tissues showed significantly higher SLC39A1 on both mRNA and protein levels. Higher SLC39A1 was observed in patients with larger tumor size (P=0.003) and advanced tumor stages (P < 0.001). Univariate (P=0.001) and multivariate analyses (P=0.035) confirmed the independent prognostic significance of SLC39A1 on gastric adenocarcinoma outcomes. The median survival time was 22.0 months in patients with high-SLC39A1 expression, while up to 57.0 months in those with low-SLC39A1 (P=0.001). In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that overexpressing SLC39A1 could promote gastric cancer growth and invasion, while silencing SLC39A1 led to opposite effects.

Conclusions

Aberrant high-SLC39A1 expression can serve as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for gastric adenocarcinoma. High SLC39A1 is critical for a more aggressive tumor phenotype by promoting cell proliferation and invasion. Therefore, targeting SLC39A1 may provide novel therapeutic insights.

The role of labile Zn2+ and Zn2+-transporters in the pathophysiology of mitochondria dysfunction in cardiomyocytes

An important energy supplier of cardiomyocytes is mitochondria, similar to other mammalian cells. Studies have demonstrated that any defect in the normal processes controlled by mitochondria can lead to abnormal ROS production, thereby high oxidative stress as well as lack of ATP. Taken into consideration, the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and overproduction of ROS as well as the relation between increased ROS and high-level release of intracellular labile Zn²⁺, those bring into consideration the importance of the events related with those stimuli in cardiomyocytes responsible from cellular Zn²⁺-homeostasis and responsible Zn²⁺-transporters associated with the Zn²⁺-homeostasis and Zn²⁺-signaling. Zn²⁺-signaling, controlled by cellular Zn²⁺-homeostatic mechanisms, is regulated with intracellular labile Zn²⁺ levels, which are controlled, especially, with the two Zn²⁺-transporter families; ZIPs and ZnTs. Our experimental studies in mammalian cardiomyocytes and human heart tissue showed that Zn²⁺-transporters localizes to mitochondria besides sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum and Golgi under physiological condition. The protein levels as well as functions of those transporters can re-distribute under pathological conditions, therefore, they can interplay among organelles in cardiomyocytes to adjust a proper intracellular labile Zn²⁺ level. In the present review, we aimed to summarize the already known Zn²⁺-transporters localize to mitochondria and function to stabilize not only the cellular Zn²⁺ level but also cellular oxidative stress status. In conclusion, one can propose that a detailed understanding of cellular Zn²⁺-homeostasis and Zn²⁺-signaling through mitochondria may emphasize the importance of new mitochondria-targeting agents for prevention and/or therapy of cardiovascular dysfunction in humans.

Zinc nutritional status influences ZnT1 and ZIP4 gene expression in children with a high risk of zinc deficiency

INTRODUCTION

Subclinical deficiency of zinc is associated with impairment of immune system function, growth, and cognitive development in children. Although plasma zinc is the best available biomarker of the risk of zinc deficiency in populations, its sensitivity for early detection of deficiency is limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate zinc deficiency among preschool children and its relationship with whole blood gene expression of zinc transporters ZIP4 and ZnT1.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 139 children aged 32-76 months enrolled in philanthropic day-care centers. We performed an anthropometric evaluation, weighed food record and dietary record for dietary assessment, blood sample collection for zinc, and whole blood gene expression analyses of ZnT1 (SLC30A1) and ZIP4 (SLC39A4).

RESULTS

Zinc deficiency was observed in 26.6 % of the children despite adequate zinc intake and a phytate:zinc molar ratio < 18. Usual zinc intake did not affect whole blood gene expression of zinc transporters, but zinc status influenced ZnT1 and ZIP4 whole blood mRNA. Children with zinc deficiency exhibited 37.1 % higher ZnT1 expression and 45.3 % lower ZIP4 expression than children with adequate zinc (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Children with plasma zinc deficiency exhibited higher expression of ZnT1 and lower expression of ZIP4 in whole blood mRNA, reinforcing the existence of strong regulation of mineral homeostasis according to the nutritional status, indicating that this analysis may be useful in the evaluation of dietary interventions.

Zinc Homeostasis in Bone: Zinc Transporters and Bone Diseases

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that plays critical roles in numerous physiological processes, including bone homeostasis. The majority of zinc in the human body is stored in bone. Zinc is not only a component of bone but also an essential cofactor of many proteins involved in microstructural stability and bone remodeling. There are two types of membrane zinc transporter proteins identified in mammals: the Zrt- and Irt-like protein (ZIP) family and the zinc transporter (ZnT) family. They regulate the influx and efflux of zinc, accounting for the transport of zinc through cellular and intracellular membranes to maintain zinc homeostasis in the cytoplasm and in intracellular compartments, respectively. Abnormal function of certain zinc transporters is associated with an imbalance of bone homeostasis, which may contribute to human bone diseases. Here, we summarize the regulatory roles of zinc transporters in different cell types and the mechanisms underlying related pathological changes involved in bone diseases. We also present perspectives for further studies on bone homeostasis-regulating zinc transporters.

Zinc Transporter Proteins

Zinc, which is involved in the structure of all enzyme classes, is a micro nutrient element and necessary for growth and development. The ability of zinc to function without causing toxic effects is depends on the protection of its homeostasis. Zinc transporter proteins are responsible for keeping zinc at certain concentrations. Based on their predicted membrane topology, Zn transporters are divided into two major families, SLC39s/ZIPs and SLC30s/ZnTs, which transport Zn in opposite directions through cellular and intracellular membranes. ZIPs increases the zinc concentration in the cytosol. For this, the ZIPs carries the zinc from extracellular and intracellular compartments to the cytosol. ZnTs, reduces the concentration of zinc in the cytosol. For this, ZnTs carries the zinc from the cytosol to extracellular and intracellular compartments. After being transported to the cell, 50% of the zinc is found in the cytoplasm, 30-40% in the nucleus, and 10% in the plasma and organelle membranes. The expression of many zinc transporter proteins in the cell is depending on the concentration of zinc and the physiological problems. The aim of this study is to give information about association of zinc transporter proteins with physiological events and health problems.

Nested Levels of Adaptive Divergence: The Genetic Basis of Craniofacial Divergence and Ecological Sexual Dimorphism

Exemplary systems for adaptive divergence are often characterized by their large degrees of phenotypic variation. This variation represents the outcome of generations of diversifying selection. However, adaptive radiations can also contain a hierarchy of differentiation nested within them where species display only subtle phenotypic differences that still have substantial effects on ecology, function, and ultimately fitness. Sexual dimorphisms are also common in species displaying adaptive divergence and can be the result of differential selection between sexes that produce ecological differences between sexes. Understanding the genetic basis of subtle variation (between certain species or sexes) is therefore important for understanding the process of adaptive divergence. Using cichlids from the dramatic adaptive radiation of Lake Malawi, we focus on understanding the genetic basis of two aspects of relatively subtle phenotypic variation. This included a morphometric comparison of the patterns of craniofacial divergence between two ecologically similar species in relation to the larger adaptive radiation of Malawi, and male-female morphological divergence between their F2 hybrids. We then genetically map craniofacial traits within the context of sex and locate several regions of the genome that contribute to variation in craniofacial shape that is relevant to sexual dimorphism within species and subtle divergence between closely related species, and possibly to craniofacial divergence in the Malawi radiation as a whole. To enhance our search for candidate genes we take advantage of population genomic data and a genetic map that is anchored to the cichlid genome to determine which genes within our QTL regions are associated with SNPs that are alternatively fixed between species. This study provides a holistic understanding of the genetic underpinnings of adaptive divergence in craniofacial shape.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on GH, IGF1, IGFBP3, OCN, and ALP in Non-Zinc-Deficient Children

OBJECTIVE

Because most publications on growth and development deal with children with zinc deficiency, we decided to study the effects of this micronutrient on the secretion of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), osteocalcin (OCN), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in healthy and eutrophic children. This study is original because the methodology was unique.

METHODS

Forty schoolchildren participated in the study, 17 females and 23 males, aged 8 and 9 years. The study was carried out during a 3-month period. It was characterized as a triple-blind randomized controlled trial. The children were divided in a control group (20 schoolchildren using 10% sorbitol) and experimental group (20 schoolchildren using zinc). All were submitted to oral zinc supplementation (10 mg Zn/day) and venous zinc administration (0.06537 mg Zn/kg of body weight). Blood samples were collected at 0, 60, 120, 180, and 210 min. All schoolchildren were also submitted to anthropometric, clinical, and dietetic assessments as well as biochemistry analyses.

RESULTS

Oral zinc supplementation in the experimental group (1) stimulated an increase in the consumption of protein and fat (p = 0.0007, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively), (2) increased basal serum zinc (p < 0.0001), (3) increased plasma ALP (p = 0.0270), and (4) showed a positive correlation for IGF1, IGFBP3, and OCN, comparing before and after oral zinc supplementation (p = 0.0011, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0446, respectively). During zinc administration, plasma IGF1 and IGFBP3 increased significantly in the experimental group (p = 0.0468, p < 0.0001, respectively). Plasma GH increased in the experimental group but without statistical difference comparing before and after oral zinc supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Zinc supplementation stimulated an increase in the consumption of some macronutrients and basal serum zinc and improved plasma alkaline phosphatase levels. Zinc administration increased hormones of the GH-IGF1 system.

Genome wide identification, phylogeny and expression of zinc transporter genes in common carp

Background

Zinc is an essential trace element in organisms, which serves as a cofactor for hundreds of enzymes that are involved in many pivotal biological processes including growth, development, reproduction and immunity. Therefore, the homeostasis of zinc in the cell is fundamental. The zinc transporter gene family is a large gene family that encodes proteins which regulate the movement of zinc across cellular and intracellular membranes. However, studies on teleost zinc transporters are mainly limited to model species.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We identified a set of 37 zinc transporters in common carp genome, including 17 from SLC30 family (ZnT), and 20 from SLC39 family (ZIP). Phylogenetic and syntenic analysis revealed that most of the zinc transporters are highly conserved, though recent gene duplication and gene losses do exist. Through examining the copy number of zinc transporter genes across several vertebrate genomes, thirteen zinc transporters in common carp are found to have undergone the gene duplications, including SLC30A1, SLC30A2, SLC30A5, SLC30A7, SLC30A9, SLC30A10, SLC39A1, SLC39A3, SLC39A4, SLC39A5, SLC39A6, SLC39A7 and SLC39A9. The expression patterns of all zinc transporters were established in various tissues, including blood, brain, gill, heart, intestine, liver, muscle, skin, spleen and kidney, and showed that most of the zinc transporters were ubiquitously expressed, indicating the critical role of zinc transporters in common carp.

Conclusions

To some extent, examination of gene families with detailed phylogenetic or orthology analysis could verify the authenticity and accuracy of assembly and annotation of the recently published common carp whole genome sequences. The gene families are also considered as a unique source for evolutionary studies. Moreover, the whole set of common carp zinc transporters provides an important genomic resource for future biochemical, toxicological and physiological studies of zinc in teleost.