The effect of oral zinc supplementation on cervicovaginal lavage fluid zinc level

Zinc prevents vaginal candidiasis by inhibiting expression of an inflammatory fungal protein

Candida causes an estimated half-billion cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) every year. VVC is most commonly caused by Candida albicans, which, in this setting, triggers nonprotective neutrophil infiltration, aggressive local inflammation, and symptomatic disease. Despite its prevalence, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underpinning the immunopathology of this fungal infection. In this study, we describe the molecular determinant of VVC immunopathology and a potentially straightforward way to prevent disease. In response to zinc limitation, C. albicans releases a trace mineral binding molecule called Pra1 (pH-regulated antigen). Here, we show that the PRA1 gene is strongly up-regulated during vaginal infections and that its expression positively correlated with proinflammatory cytokine concentrations in women. Genetic deletion of PRA1 prevented vaginal inflammation in mice, and application of a zinc solution down-regulated expression of the gene and also blocked immunopathology. We also show that treatment of women suffering from recurrent VVC with a zinc gel prevented reinfections. We have therefore identified a key mediator of symptomatic VVC, giving us an opportunity to develop a range of preventative measures for combatting this disease.

The Role of Zinc in Selected Female Reproductive System Disorders

Zinc is an essential microelement that plays many important functions in the body. It is crucial for the regulation of cell growth, hormone release, immunological response and reproduction. This review focuses on its importance in the reproductive system of women of reproductive and postmenopausal ages, not including its well described role in pregnancy. Only recently, attention has been drawn to the potential role of zinc in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), dysmenorrhea, or endometriosis. This review is mainly based on 36 randomized, controlled studies on reproductive, pre- and post-menopausal populations of women and on research trying to explain the potential impact of zinc and its supplementation in the etiology of selected female reproductive system disorders. In women with PCOS, zinc supplementation has a positive effect on many parameters, especially those related to insulin resistance and lipid balance. In primary dysmenorrhea, zinc supplementation before and during each menstrual cycle seems to be an important factor reducing the intensity of menstrual pain. On the other hand, little is known of the role of zinc in endometriosis and in postmenopausal women. Therefore, further studies explaining the potential impact of zinc and its supplementation on female reproductive system would be highly advisable and valuable.

Zinc Oxide Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Properties on Human Placental Cells

Background: An aberrant and persistent inflammatory state at the fetal-maternal interface is considered as a key contributor in compromised pregnancies. Decidual endothelial cells (DECs) play a pivotal role in the control of the local decidual inflammation. The aim of the current study was to determine whether dietary supplement with zinc oxide (ZnO), due to its very low adverse effects, may be useful for modulating the inflammatory response in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods: The anti-inflammatory properties of ZnO in pregnancy were evaluated by in vitro tests on endothelial cells isolated from normal deciduas and on a trophoblast cell line (HTR8/Svneo). The effects of this treatment were analyzed in terms of adhesion molecule expression and inflammatory cytokine secretion, by real time-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Our data showed that ZnO was able to reduce the inflammatory response of DECs, in terms of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression induced by TNF-α stimulation. This compound exerted no effect on intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) exocytosis induced by TNF-α on stimulated trophoblast cells, but significantly reduced their IL-6 expression. Conclusion: According to these results, it can be suggested that the ZnO supplement, through its modulation of the pro-inflammatory response of DECs, can be used in pregnancy for the prevention of local decidual inflammation.