The impact of zinc on the molecular signaling pathways in the diabetes disease

Investigation of Zinc on hemorheological parameters in a rat model of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex, chronic metabolic disorder characterized by impaired regulation of blood glucose levels. Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace elements that plays a role in various physiological processes within the body, including those related to diabetes. The current study was investigated the effect of Zn supplementation on hemorheological parameters in a rat model of DM. After induction of DM, 32 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, Zn, DM, and Zn+DM. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) was determined by using digital cone and plate viscometer and plasma viscosity (PV) was determined by a Coulter Harkness capillary viscometer. The rats in the DM Group showed a decrease in both Zn levels and body weight, as well as an increase in glucose levels when compared to the control group. Diabetic rats supplemented with Zn displayed lower blood glucose levels and higher concentrations of Zn compared to the DM Group. The higher PV and lower hematocrit level were measured in DM Group than control group and lower PV, higher hematocrit level were measured in Zn+DM group than DM Group. The WBV was measured at four different shear rates (57.6-115.2 - 172.8-230.4 s -1). A statistically significant increase was observed in the DM group compared to the control group. Additionally, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the Zn+DM Group compared to the DM Group at a shear rate of 230.4 s-1. Erythrocyte rigidity index (Tk) and oxygen delivery index (ODI) were computed under conditions of high shear rate. The rats in the DM group exhibited a reduction in ODI and an elevation in Tk in comparison to the control group. Conversely, the diabetic rats supplemented with Zn exhibited decreased Tk and increased ODI compared to the DM Group. Zn supplementation seems to have a potential beneficial effect for protecting adverse affect of diabetes on hemorheogical parameters and for maintaining vascular health.

Dietary zinc supplements: beneficial health effects and application in food, medicine and animals

Zinc, a crucial trace element is vital for the growth and development of humans. It is frequently described as 'the flower of life' and 'the source of intelligence'. Zinc supplements play a pivotal role in addressing zinc deficiency by serving as a vital source of this essential micronutrients, effectively replenishing depleted zinc levels in the body. In this paper, we first described the biological behavior of zinc in the human body and briefly described the physiological phenomena associated with zinc levels. The benefits and drawbacks of various zinc supplement forms are then discussed, with emphasis on the most recent zinc supplement formulations. Finally, the application of zinc supplements in food, medicine, and animal husbandry is further summarized. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A nested case-control study of serum zinc and incident diabetes among Chinese adults: Effect modifications and mediation analysis

Although numerous evidences suggest that zinc may have a beneficial impact on preventing and treating diabetes, findings from the population studies are inconclusive. To address this gap, we conducted a nested case-control study, employing restricted cubic splines and a conditional logistic regression model to explore the association between serum zinc levels and the risk of diabetes. We also assessed potential effect modifications through stratified analyses and examined the mediating effects of metabolic indicators using a multiclass mediation effect model. We measured baseline serum zinc concentrations using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry in a cohort of 2156 participants, including 1078 individuals with diabetes and 1078 matched controls. Our findings revealed a 51 % increased risk of diabetes when comparing the highest quartile (Q4) to the lowest quartile (Q1) of serum zinc levels (Odds Ratio [95 % Confidence Interval]: 1.51 [1.09, 2.09]). There was a positive linear dose-response relationship between serum zinc and diabetes risk (P overall ≤0.01, P nonlinear = 0.20). Effect modifications were evident between serum zinc and factors such as educational attainment, body mass index, alcohol index, family history of diabetes, history of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke, all of which influenced the risk of diabetes (all P-interaction <0.05). Moreover, our study identified significant indirect effects of triglycerides levels on diabetes risk for participants in the third (Q3) and fourth (Q4) quartiles of serum zinc, with mediation proportions of 19.23 % and 19.28 %, respectively. A significant indirect effect of alanine aminotransferase on diabetes risk was found for those in the Q4 of serum zinc, with a mediation proportion of 12.05 %. Considering these findings, it is advisable to conduct testing for serum zinc level and exercise caution when considering zinc supplementation. Furthermore, our results emphasized the necessity for additional validation through large-sample prospective population studies and experimental research.

Biosynthesis of ZnONP Using Chamaecostus cuspidatus and Their Evolution of Anticancer Property in MCF-7 and A549 Cell Lines

The ZnO nanoparticle synthesis using the leaf part of Chamaecostus cuspidatus was characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, IR, XRD, DLS, FESEM, EDX, TEM, AFM and XPS. The MTT assay was used to examine the cytotoxicity activity against lung epithelial and breast cell lines, and the IC₅₀ value was determined. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles, which range in size from 200 to 800 nm, was confirmed by the absorption peak at 350 nm. The median particle size was 145.1 nm, and the ζ -the potential was -19.45 mV, showing that ZnONP is stable. Zinc, carbon, and oxygen contribute to the elemental composition of ZnONP, as determined by EDX analysis. MTT assay was used to investigate in vitro cytotoxicity in MCF-7 and A549 cell lines. The cytotoxicity activity IC₅₀ value was determined to be 30 μg/mL for the A549 cell line and 37 μg/mL for the MCF-7 cell line.

The Role of Mitochondrial Abnormalities in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is defined as the presence in diabetic patients of abnormal cardiac structure and performance (such as left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and arrhythmia) in the absence of other cardiac risk factors (such as hypertension or coronary artery disease). Although the pathogenesis of DCM remains unclear currently, mitochondrial structural and functional dysfunctions are recognised as a central player in the DCM development. In this review, we focus on the role of mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis and mitophagy, Ca²⁺ metabolism and bioenergetics in the DCM development and progression. Based on the crucial role of mitochondria in DCM, application of mitochondria-targeting therapies could be effective strategies to slow down the progression of the disease.

Interplay between Zn2+ Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Functions in Cardiovascular Diseases and Heart Ageing

Zinc plays an important role in cardiomyocytes, where it exists in bound and histochemically reactive labile Zn²⁺ forms. Although Zn²⁺ concentration is under tight control through several Zn²⁺-transporters, its concentration and intracellular distribution may vary during normal cardiac function and pathological conditions, when the protein levels and efficacy of Zn²⁺ transporters can lead to zinc re-distribution among organelles in cardiomyocytes. Such dysregulation of cellular Zn²⁺ homeostasis leads to mitochondrial and ER stresses, and interrupts normal ER/mitochondria cross-talk and mitophagy, which subsequently, result in increased ROS production and dysregulated metabolic function. Besides cardiac structural and functional defects, insufficient Zn²⁺ supply was associated with heart development abnormalities, induction and progression of cardiovascular diseases, resulting in accelerated cardiac ageing. In the present review, we summarize the recently identified connections between cellular and mitochondrial Zn²⁺ homeostasis, ER stress and mitophagy in heart development, excitation–contraction coupling, heart failure and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Additionally, we discuss the role of Zn²⁺ in accelerated heart ageing and ageing-associated rise of mitochondrial ROS and cardiomyocyte dysfunction.