Mobile phone call reminders to improve oral rehydration salt and zinc adherence for acute diarrhea in children: a single-center, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-osmolarity oral rehydration salt (ORS) and zinc therapy effectively manage diarrhea in children under five years of age, offering both short- and long-term benefits. Despite this, caregivers' adherence to ORS and zinc is often unsatisfactory due to factors such as forgetfulness, resolution of symptoms, and underestimation of the disease's severity. This study assessed the effect of mobile call reminders on ORS and zinc tablet adherence among children with acute diarrhea in a secondary-level health facility in Kwara State, Nigeria. METHODS: Using an open-label, randomized controlled trial design, this study compared caregiver-child pairs with acute diarrhea aged 6-59 months who received standard instructions (SI) alone (control group) and an intervention group (IG) who received SI plus phone call reminders on days three and seven of zinc sulfate therapy. All participants used a pictorial diary to track loose/watery stools and ORS and zinc tablet treatments for ten days. The primary outcome measures were independent and combined adherence to ORS and zinc therapy. The secondary outcomes were independent and combined adherence scores, defined as the percentage of times the ORS was given post-diarrhea and the percentage of prescribed zinc tablets administered out of ten. RESULTS: A total of 364/400 mother-child pairs completed the study. The percentage of mothers with full adherence in the intervention group was 82.5% for ORS, 72.1% for zinc, and 58.5% for combined use, compared to 78.8%, 60.8%, and 43.6%, respectively, in the control group. The odds of full adherence to ORS and zinc were 1.6 and 1.7 times higher among intervention mothers [ORS: OR = 1.561, 95% CI = 0.939-2.598, P = 0.085; zinc: OR = 1.671, 95% CI = 1.076-2.593, P = 0.022], and 1.8 times higher for combined use according to WHO guidelines [OR = 1.818, 95% CI = 1.200-2.754, P = 0.005]. The mean adherence scores for the intervention group were higher than those for the control group by 4.1% (95% CI = 0.60-7.60) for ORS, 7.3% (95% CI = 3.74-10.86) for zinc, and 5.7% (95% CI = 3.23-8.17) for the combined treatment. CONCLUSION: Phone reminders can effectively improve consistency of home treatment administered by caregivers for children under five years old. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered retrospectively (17/3/2023) with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202301560735856).

Acceptability of an Orange-Flavoured Zinc Sulphate Dispersible Tablet in the Management of Acute Diarrhoea in Under-five Children in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Acute diarrhoea is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five, especially in subSaharan Africa. The WHO recommends using oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc therapy for its management, but the metallic taste of zinc often hinders adherence. METHOD: This prospective open-label intervention study took place at three health facilities in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, involving children aged 3 to 59 months with acute diarrhoea. Sociodemographic and diarrhoea-related data were obtained. Palatability was assessed using a 5-point hedonic scale, and adherence was determined by the proportion of prescribed zinc sulfate tablets consumed. Caregivers received a 10-day supply of the study drug and ORS sachets for each child, along with participant diaries for tracking drug intake, palatability scores, and adverse events. Follow-up was conducted on Days 3 and 7, and diaries were collected between Days 10 and 14. RESULTS: Out of the 294 participants, most caregivers were mothers (86.0%), had at least a secondary education (88.1%), and were employed (70.7%). The majority of children were male (54.2%), and under 18 months old (52.2%). The average palatability score was 2.65 (±0.78), with no significant differences based on age or gender. Mean adherence was 93.03%, with 89.3% achieving ≥80% adherence, and adherence did not significantly differ by age or gender. The only reported adverse event, vomiting, decreased from 18.8% on Day 1 to 0.5% on Day 10. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that the orange-flavored dispersible zinc sulfate tablet is well-accepted by children aged 3 to 59 months with acute diarrhoea in Lagos, Nigeria.

CONTEXTE: La diarrhée aiguë est une cause significative de morbidité et de mortalité chez les enfants de moins de cinq ans, en particulier en Afrique subsaharienne. L'OMS recommande l'utilisation de la solution de réhydratation orale (SRO) et de la thérapie au zinc pour sa prise en charge, mais le goût métallique du zinc entrave souvent l'observance. MÉTHODE: L'étude d'intervention prospective à ciel ouvert a eu lieu dans trois établissements de santé à Lagos, dans le sud-ouest du Nigeria, impliquant des enfants de 3 à 59 mois souffrant de diarrhée aiguë. Des données sociodémographiques et liées à la diarrhée ont été obtenues. La palatabilité a été évaluée à l'aide d'une échelle hédonique à 5 points, et l'observance a été déterminée par la proportion de comprimés de sulfate de zinc prescrits consommés. Les aidants ont reçu une provision de 10 jours du médicament de l'étude et des sachets de SRO pour chaque enfant, ainsi que des journaux de suivi pour noter la prise du médicament, les scores de palatabilité et les événements indésirables. Un suivi a été effectué aux jours 3 et 7, et les journaux ont été collectés entre les jours 10 et 14. RÉSULTATS: Sur les 294 participants, la plupart des aidants étaient des mères (86,0%), avaient au moins une éducation secondaire (88,1%), et étaient employées (70,7%). La majorité des enfants étaient de sexe masculin (54,2%) et avaient moins de 18 mois (52,2%). La note moyenne de palatabilité était de 2,65 (±0,78), sans différences significatives en fonction de l'âge ou du sexe. L'observance moyenne était de 93,03%, avec 89,3% atteignant une observance ≥ 80%, et l'observance ne différait pas de manière significative en fonction de l'âge ou du sexe. Le seul événement indésirable signalé, les vomissements, est passé de 18,8% le jour 1 à 0,5% le jour 10. CONCLUSION: L'étude indique que le comprimé de sulfate de zinc dispersible à l'arôme d'orange est bien accepté par les enfants de 3 à 59 mois souffrant de diarrhée aiguë à Lagos, au Nigeria. MOTS-CLÉS: Diarrhée, moins de cinq ans, Enfants, Arôme d'orange, Comprimés de zinc, Palatabilité, Acceptabilité, Échelle hédonique, Lagos, Nigeria.

Ocoxin as a complement to first line treatments in cancer.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most frequent treatment for patients suffering from malignant progression of cancer. Even though new treatments are now being implemented, administration of these chemotherapeutic agents remains as the first line option in many tumor types. However, the secondary effects of these compounds represent one of the main reasons cancer patients lose life quality during disease progression. Recent data suggests that Ocoxin, a plant extract and natural compound based nutritional complement rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory mediators exerts a positive effect in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This mixture attenuates the chemotherapy and radiotherapy-related side effects such as radiation-induced skin burns and mucositis, chemotherapy-related diarrhea, hepatic toxicity and blood-infection. Moreover, it has been proven to be effective as anticancer agent in different tumor models both in vitro and in vivo, potentiating the cytotoxic effect of several chemotherapy compounds such as Lapatinib, Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel, Sorafenib and Irinotecan. The aim of this review is to put some light on the potential of this nutritional mixture as an anticancer agent and complement for the standard chemotherapy routine.

Nutritional interventions for treating foot ulcers in people with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Foot ulcers in people with diabetes are non-healing, or poorly healing, partial, or full-thickness wounds below the ankle. These ulcers are common, expensive to manage and cause significant morbidity and mortality. The presence of a wound has an impact on nutritional status because of the metabolic cost of repairing tissue damage, in addition to the nutrient losses via wound fluid. Nutritional interventions may improve wound healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of nutritional interventions on the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes. SEARCH METHODS: In March 2020 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of nutritional interventions on the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors, working independently, assessed included RCTs for their risk of bias and rated the certainty of evidence using GRADE methodology, using pre-determined inclusion and quality criteria. MAIN RESULTS: We identified nine RCTs (629 participants). Studies explored oral nutritional interventions as follows: a protein (20 g protein per 200 mL bottle), 1 kcal/mL ready-to-drink, nutritional supplement with added vitamins, minerals and trace elements; arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate supplement; 220 mg zinc sulphate supplements; 250 mg magnesium oxide supplements; 1000 mg/day omega-3 fatty acid from flaxseed oil; 150,000 IU of vitamin D, versus 300,000 IU of vitamin D; 250 mg magnesium oxide plus 400 IU vitamin E and 50,000 IU vitamin D supplements. The comparator in eight studies was placebo, and in one study a different dose of vitamin D. Eight studies reported the primary outcome measure of ulcer healing; only two studies reported a measure of complete healing. Six further studies reported measures of change in ulcer dimension, these studies reported only individual parameters of ulcer dimensions (i.e. length, width and depth) and not change in ulcer volume. All of the evidence identified was very low certainty. We downgraded it for risks of bias, indirectness and imprecision. It is uncertain whether oral nutritional supplement with 20 g protein per 200 mL bottle, 1 kcal/mL, nutritional supplement with added vitamins, minerals and trace elements, increases the proportion of ulcers healed at six months more than placebo (risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 to 1.53). It is also uncertain whether arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate supplement increases the proportion of ulcers healed at 16 weeks compared with placebo (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.40). It is uncertain whether the following interventions change parameters of ulcer dimensions over time when compared with placebo; 220 mg zinc sulphate supplement containing 50 mg elemental zinc, 250 mg magnesium oxide supplement, 1000 mg/day omega-3 fatty acid from flaxseed oil supplement, magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation and vitamin D supplementation. It is also uncertain whether 150,000 IU of vitamin D, impacts ulcer dimensions when compared with 300,000 IU of vitamin D. Two studies explored some of the secondary outcomes of interest for this review. It is uncertain whether oral nutritional supplement with 20 g protein per 200 mL bottle, 1 kcal/mL, nutritional supplement with added vitamins, minerals and trace elements, reduces the number of deaths (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.06 to 14.60) or amputations (RR 4.82, 95% CI 0.24 to 95.88) more than placebo. It is uncertain whether arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate supplement increases health-related quality of life at 16 weeks more than placebo (MD -0.03, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.03). It is also uncertain whether arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate supplement reduces the numbers of new ulcers (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.51), or amputations (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.16 to 2.69) more than placebo. None of the included studies reported the secondary outcomes cost of intervention, acceptability of the intervention (or satisfaction) with respect to patient comfort, length of patient hospital stay, surgical interventions, or osteomyelitis incidence. One study exploring the impact of arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate supplement versus placebo did not report on any relevant outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Evidence for the impact of nutritional interventions on the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes compared with no nutritional supplementation, or compared with a different dose of nutritional supplementation, remains uncertain, with eight studies showing no clear benefit or harm. It is also uncertain whether there is a difference in rates of adverse events, amputation rate, development of new foot ulcers, or quality of life, between nutritional interventions and placebo. More research is needed to clarify the impact of nutritional interventions on the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes.

Intralesional 2% zinc sulfate solution for plane warts: A case report.

Warts are benign epithelial proliferations of the skin and mucous membranes caused by human papilloma viruses (HPVs). Plane warts are mainly caused by HPV-3 and HPV-10. There is no absolute effective single treatment, and multiple treatment modalities may be combined. One must take into consideration the probability of spontaneous regression, and so the therapeutic approach should not be too aggressive. We report a case of 11 years immunocompetent child presenting with recalcitrant multiple plane warts who was successfully treated with intralesional 2% zinc sulfate solution injection in one lesion after a failure of many other treatment modalities. Our case may represent a starting point for further studies to evaluate the best dose used for management and to avoid any side effects. Intralesional zinc sulfate injection could be a promising treatment option for plane warts.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Renal Anemia in 5/6-Nephrectomized Rats and a Comparison with Treatment with Recombinant Human Erythropoietin.

Anemia is a severe complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Treatment with exogenous erythropoietin (EPO) can correct anemia in many with CKD. We produced 5/6-nephrectomized rats that became uremic and anemic at 25 days post surgery. Injection of the anemic 5/6-nephrectomized rats with 2.8 mg zinc/kg body weight raised their red blood cell (RBC) levels from approximately 85% of the control to 95% in one day and continued for 4 days. We compared the effect of ZnSO4 and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) injections on relieving anemia in 5/6-nephrectomized rats. After three consecutive injections, both the ZnSO4 and rHuEPO groups had significantly higher RBC levels (98 ± 6% and 102 ± 6% of the control) than the saline group (90 ± 3% of the control). In vivo, zinc relieved anemia in 5/6-nephrectomized rats similar to rHuEPO. In vitro, we cultured rat bone marrow cells supplemented with ZnCl2, rHuEPO, or saline. In a 4-day suspension culture, we found that zinc induced erythropoiesis similar to rHuEPO. When rat bone marrow cells were supplement-cultured with zinc, we found that zinc stimulated the production of EPO in the culture medium and that the level of EPO produced was dependent on the concentration of zinc supplemented. The production of EPO via zinc supplementation was involved in the process of erythropoiesis.

Effects of environmental temperature and dietary zinc on egg production performance, egg quality and antioxidant status and expression of heat-shock proteins in tissues of broiler breeders.

To investigate the effects of environmental temperature and dietary Zn on egg production performance, egg quality and antioxidant status, as well as expression of heat-shock proteins (HSP) in tissues, of laying broiler breeders, we used a completely randomised design with a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The two environmental temperatures were normal (21±1°C, NT) and high (32±1°C, HT). The three dietary Zn sources were a Zn-unsupplemented basal diet (CON), and the basal diet supplemented with 110 mg Zn/kg as either the inorganic Zn sulphate (iZn) or the organic Zn proteinate with a moderate chelation strength (oZn). HT decreased (P<0·002) egg weight, laying rate, eggshell strength, thickness and weight, but increased (P≤0·05) rectal temperature, broken egg rate, misshapen egg rate, feed:egg ratio, Cu Zn superoxide dismutase activities in liver and pancreas, as well as metallothionein (MT) level in pancreas, and HSP70 mRNA levels in liver and pancreas of laying broiler breeders. Broiler breeders fed the oZn diet had higher (P<0·04) Zn content in the liver, as well as MT levels in the liver and pancreas, compared with those fed the CON diet. Under HT, broiler breeders fed the oZn diet had higher (P<0·05) Zn content in the pancreas compared with those fed the iZn and CON diets. The results from this study indicated that HT impaired egg production performance and eggshell quality possibly because of the disturbed redox balance and HSP homoeostasis, whereas the oZn is more available than the iZn for pancreatic Zn of heat-stressed laying broiler breeders.

The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease of the pilosebaceous units presenting as inflammatory or noninflammatory lesions in individuals of all ages. The current standard of treatment includes topical formulations in the forms of washes, gels, lotions, and creams such as antibiotics, antibacterial agents, retinoids, and comedolytics. Additionally, systemic treatments are available for more severe or resistant forms of acne. Nevertheless, these treatments have shown to induce a wide array of adverse effects, including dryness, peeling, erythema, and even fetal defects and embolic events. Zinc is a promising alternative to other acne treatments owing to its low cost, efficacy, and lack of systemic side effects. In this literature review, we evaluate the effectiveness and side-effect profiles of various formulations of zinc used to treat acne.

Orexigenic action of oral zinc: metabolomic analysis in the rat hypothalamus.

We previously reported an orexigenic action of oral zinc administration in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats during an early stage of feeding with a zinc-deficient diet, without decreased zinc concentrations in tissues. The overall conclusion was that orally but not intraperitoneally administered zinc stimulates food intake in short-term zinc-deficient-diet fed rats. We here investigate the mechanism of the orexigenic action of zinc using GC-MS/MS-targeted metabolomic analysis in the rat hypothalamus. Four-week-old, male SD/Slc rats were used, and after 2 days of feeding with a zinc-deficient diet, 3 mg of ZnSO4 in 5 mL saline solution were administered to each rat either orally or intraperitoneally. Three hours after administration, the rats were sacrificed and the hypothalamus were excised and analyzed. We found that the oral administration group showed increased concentrations of 3-aminopropanoic acid (ß-alanine), hypotaurine, dopamine, and biotin. In light of metabolomic analysis of these results, we indicate directions for further research.

Zinc Supplementation Stimulates Red Blood Cell Formation in Rats.

In rats, mice, and humans, it is known that zinc deficiency may be related to anemia, and zinc supplementation influences hemoglobin production. Our previous studies indicate that in fish, zinc supplementation stimulates red blood cell (RBC) formation (erythropoiesis). However, it is not clear whether the mechanism of zinc-induced erythropoiesis stimulation in fish also occurs in rats. We induced anemia in rats using phenylhydrazine (PHZ) and injected either saline or ZnSO4 solution. We found that an appropriate amount of zinc stimulated erythropoiesis in the PHZ-induced anemic rats. The effects of ZnSO4 injection were dose-dependent. When the concentration of ZnSO4 was higher than 2.8 mg zinc/kg body weight, the RBC level of the anemic rats increased from 60 ± 7% to 88 ± 10% that of the normal rats in two days. Rat bone marrow cells with or without ZnCl2 supplementation were cultured in suspension in vitro. In the cell culture when the zinc concentration was at 0.3 mM, a 1.6-fold proliferation of nascent immature reticulocytes (new RBCs) was observed after one day. In the rat blood, zinc was combined with serum transferrin to induce erythropoiesis. The stimulation of RBC formation by zinc appears to be common among different animals.

Response of in ovo administration of zinc on egg hatchability and immune response of commercial broiler chicken.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of in ovo administration of different forms of zinc with respect to hatchability and performance of commercial broiler chicken. In trial 1, the fertile eggs on day 18 were divided into six treatment groups: Group I as control without any supplementation of zinc, group II to IV were supplemented with 0.5 mg zinc per egg as zinc sulphate, zinc methionine or nano zinc, respectively, and Group V with nano zinc at 0.25 mg zinc per egg. Sixth group received 0.5 ml citric acid per egg as sham control. The results of the first trial indicated that in ovo administration of nano zinc at both levels and zinc methionine resulted in complete failure of hatchability. A second trial to validate the result of trial 1 consisted of Group I control (no administration). Group II and Group III were supplemented with zinc sulphate and zinc methionine, respectively, at 0.5 mg zinc per egg. Group IV and Group V were supplemented with nano zinc at 0.04 and 0.08 mg per egg. In the second trial, again there was a similar pattern for zinc sulphate and zinc methionine. Administration of Zn by nano form had around 80% hatchability on fertile eggs in comparison with the unadministered control eggs (92%). There was no difference (p > .05) in body weight gain, feed intake and FCR. No difference (p > .05) was observed between treatments for cell-mediated immune response and humoral immune response. Nano Zn-administered group showed a non-significant downregulation of MUC2 gene. It could be concluded that in ovo administration of higher levels of zinc has to be with caution for the developing embryo of commercial broiler chicken.

A special case of recurrent gross hematuria: Answers.

Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder, and has a variety of presentations. We reported a case of 9-year-old girl who presented with a history of recurrent gross hematuria, renal histological changes of IgA nephropathy, and finally had been confirmed to be Wilson's disease-associated IgA nephropathy.

Zinc protection in fetal rats for maternal mercury exposure-induced growth retardation is probably associated with S100B expression.

AIM: The study was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal mercury exposure on fetal rat development and zinc protection in mercury-exposed rats. METHODS: Pregnant rats were subjected to zinc sulfate pre-feeding, mercury exposure and zinc sulfate co-feeding. The control rats were administered distilled water. On day 19, the placental weight, overall weight, size and tail length of fetal rats, mercury content and S100B level in the placenta were determined using Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the control, mercury exposure at 2.0 mg/kg.d significantly reduced placental weight and fetal development, resulting in reduced fetal weight, size and tail length, while zinc pre-feeding increased placental weight and other fetal developmental parameters. Compared with mercury exposure, co-feeding with zinc significantly reduced mercury-induced injury in the fetal rats. S100B and mercury content levels were significantly elevated in rats maternally exposed to methylmercury chloride, compared with the unexposed control, while co-feeding with methylmercury chloride and zinc sulfate significantly reduced S100B and mercury levels in the placenta. CONCLUSION: Maternal exposure to mercury results in increased S100B in the placenta. Zinc sulfate feeding could reduce S100B and mercury levels, thereby protecting the rats from mercury damage. S100B level may be used to measure the antagonism between zinc and mercury during pregnancy.

Effect of zinc sulfate supplementation on premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life: Clinical randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The purpose of study was to assess the effect of zinc sulfate (ZS) supplementation on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and health-related quality of life (QoL). METHODS: This was a double-blind randomized and placebo-controlled trial using the parallel technique conducted between June 2013 and May 2014. A total of 142 women (age, 20-35 years) with PMS were allocated to either the ZS or placebo group. The women in the intervention group received ZS 220-mg capsules (containing 50 mg elemental zinc) from the 16th day of the menstrual cycle to the second day of the next cycle. Data were collected using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) and 12-item Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire. RESULT: The prevalence of moderate to severe PMS in the ZS group significantly decreased throughout the study period (9.5% in the first, 6% in the second and 2.6% in the third month of the study, P < 0.001), but in the control placebo group this reduction was seen only in the first month of the study (14.2% in the first, 13.7% in the second and 13.5% in the third month, P = 0.08). Also, ZS improved the PSST component scores throughout the study period. The mean scores of QoL in physical and mental components were significantly improved in the ZS intervention group. However, the differences were statistically significant only 3 months after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Zinc sulfate, as a simple and inexpensive treatment, was associated with improvement of PMS symptoms and health-related QoL. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Effects of zinc and magnesium supplements on postpartum depression and anxiety: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Postpartum anxiety and depression are prevalent disorders. The authors of this study aimed to determine the effects of zinc and magnesium supplements on depressive symptoms and anxiety in postpartum women referred to three governmental, educational hospitals in Tabriz, Iran during 2014-2015. In this triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, the participants were randomly assigned to the zinc sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and placebo groups (n = 33 per group). The intervention groups received a 27-mg zinc sulfate tablet or 320-mg magnesium sulfate tablet per day for 8 weeks, whereas the control group received a placebo tablet each day during the same period. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were completed before and 8 weeks after the intervention. Blood samples were drawn from each participant to determine serum levels of zinc and magnesium before intervention at 48 hours after delivery. Also, a 24-hour dietary questionnaire was used during the first and last 3 days of the intervention. Adjusting for baseline scores as well as zinc and magnesium serum levels, no significant difference was observed between groups 8 weeks after delivery in mean scores of depressive symptoms (p = .553), state anxiety (p = .995), and trait anxiety (p = .234). This study concluded magnesium and zinc did not reduce postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Oral treatment with zinc sulfate increases the expression of Th1 cytokines mRNA in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania major.

Leishmaniases consist of a group of diseases caused by protozoan parasites of Leishmania genus. The outcome of the disease depends on the immune responses of the host as well as the pathogenicity of the strain of the parasite. In murine models, the inoculation of Leishmania major into resistant mice results in Th1 responses and recovery from the infection. However in the susceptible mice, the same inoculation leads to a profile of Th2 responses. Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element which is required for the growth and development of the immune responses. In this study, the influence of Zn sulfate on mRNA expression of main cytokines of the immune response was studied in susceptible BALB/c mice infected with L. major. The inoculated mice were divided into 3 groups, namely the untreated (control), the zinc sulfate treated (weeks 2, 4 and 8), and the Glucantime-treated (weeks 4 and 8) mice. During different time points post-infection, the lesion sizes and the parasite burden were measured in all the groups. Moreover, the expression of Ifng, Il4, Il10 and Il12 mRNA levels in the draining lymph nodes of the treated mice were compared to the control mice using real-time PCR. Our data demonstrated significant decreases in lesion sizes and parasite loads in Zn sulfate treated group compared to the untreated group. Moreover, significant fold increases in expression of Ifng transcript were observed in mice treated with Zn sulfate compared to the control. The ratio of Ifng/Il4 mRNA was also higher in Zn sulfate-treated mice compared to Glucantime-treated animals. These results indicate that Zn Sulfate has the ability to induce strong Th1 responses in susceptible BALB/c mice inoculated with L. major.

Zinc Absorption by Adults Is Similar from Intrinsically Labeled Zinc-Biofortified Rice and from Rice Fortified with Labeled Zinc Sulfate.

BACKGROUND: Biofortification of staple food crops is a promising strategy to combat zinc deficiency, and it is of particular interest for rice and crops that are not consumed as flours and therefore not suitable for postharvest fortification. Because zinc absorption is decreased by phytic acid (PA) and perhaps other dietary components, it is important to measure the absorption of zinc from a biofortified crop before determining its efficacy. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we compared the zinc absorption from zinc-biofortified rice (hydroponically enriched with (70)Zn) with that from a control rice of the same variety fortified with (70)ZnSO4 at point of use to reach the same total zinc content of 1.1 mg/meal. Both rice meals had a PA:Zn molar ratio of 12. METHODS: Fractional absorption of zinc (FAZ) was measured with the use of the double-isotope tracer ratio method in 16 apparently healthy adults [18-45 y old; BMI (in kg/m(2)) 19-25] who consumed 2 single meals at 4-wk intervals in random order in a crossover design. RESULTS: The FAZ from the biofortified rice (mean ± SD: 25.1 ± 8.7%) did not differ significantly from that of the point-of-use fortified rice (mean ± SD: 20.8 ± 7.1%) (P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the native zinc accumulated in the biofortified rice was readily released from the rice matrix and that its absorption by adults was influenced by PA and other food components in a similar way to the inorganic zinc compound added to the rice at point of use. Moreover, rice biofortification is likely to be as good as postharvest zinc fortification as an intervention strategy to combat zinc deficiency. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01633450.

Possible role of metal ionophore against zinc induced cognitive dysfunction in D-galactose senescent mice.

Metal ionophores are considered as potential anti-dementia agents, and some are currently undergoing clinical trials. Many metals are known to accumulate and distribute abnormally in the aging brain. Alterations in zinc metal homeostasis in the glutaminergic synapse could contribute to ageing and the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study was designed to investigate the effect of metal ionophores on long term administration of zinc in D-galactose induced senescent mice. The ageing model was established by combined administration of zinc and D-galactose to mice for 6 weeks. A novel metal ionophore, PBT-2 was given daily to zinc-induced d-galactose senescent mice. The cognitive behaviour of mice was monitored using the Morris Water Maze. The anti-oxidant status and amyloidogenic activity in the ageing mouse was measured by determining mito-oxidative parameters and deposition of amyloid ß (Aß) in the brain. Systemic administration of both zinc and D-galactose significantly produced memory deficits, mito-oxidative damage, heightened acetylcholinesterase enzymatic activity and deposition of amyloid-ß. Treatment with PBT-2 significantly improved behavioural deficits, biochemical profiles, cellular damage, and curbed the deposition of APP in zinc-induced senescent mice. These findings suggest that PBT-2, acting as a metal protein attenuating compound, may be helpful in the prevention of AD or alleviation of ageing.

Zinc supplementation ameliorates glycoprotein components and oxidative stress changes in the lung of streptozotocin diabetic rats.

Zinc (Zn) is a component of numerous enzymes that function in a wide range of biological process, including growth, development, immunity and intermediary metabolism. Zn may play a role in chronic states such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Zn acts as cofactor and for many enzymes and proteins and has antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. Taking into consideration that lung is a possible target organ for diabetic complications, the aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of zinc on the glycoprotein content and antioxidant enzyme activities of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat tissues. Female Swiss albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I, control; Group II, control + zinc sulfate; Group III, STZ-diabetic; Group IV, diabetic + zinc sulfate. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg body weight). Zinc sulfate was given daily by gavage at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight every day for 60 days to groups II and IV. At the last day of the experiment, rats were sacrificed, lung tissues were taken. Also, glycoprotein components, tissue factor (TF) activity, protein carbonyl (PC), advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), hydroxyproline, and enzyme activities in lung tissues were determined. Glycoprotein components, TF activity, lipid peroxidation, non enzymatic glycation, PC, AOPP, hydroxyl proline, lactate dehydrogenase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase and prolidase significantly increased in lung tissues of diabetic rats. Also, glutathione levels, paraoxonase, arylesterase, carbonic anhydrase, and Na(+)/K(+)- ATPase activities were decreased. Administration of zinc significantly reversed these effects. Thus, the study indicates that zinc possesses a significantly beneficial effect on the glycoprotein components and oxidant/antioxidant enzyme activities.

Zinc supplementation for the prevention of pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 59 months.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children younger than five years of age. Most deaths occur during infancy and in low-income countries. Daily zinc supplements have been reported to prevent acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and reduce child mortality. This is an update of a review first published in 2010. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of zinc supplementation in the prevention of pneumonia in children aged two to 59 months. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL (Issue 21 October 2016), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2016), Embase (1974 to October 2016), LILACS (1982 to October 2016), CINAHL (1981 to October 2016), Web of Science (1985 to October 2016) and IMSEAR (1980 to October 2016). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating zinc supplementation for the prevention of pneumonia in children aged from 2 months to 59 months. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: We did not identify any new studies for inclusion in this update. We included six studies that involved 5193 participants.Analysis showed that zinc supplementation reduced the incidence of pneumonia by 13% (fixed-effect risk ratio (RR) 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 0.94, six studies, low-quality evidence) and prevalence of pneumonia by 41% (random-effects RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.99, one study, n = 609, low-quality evidence). On subgroup analysis, we found that zinc reduced the incidence of pneumonia defined by specific clinical criteria by 21% (i.e. confirmation by chest examination or chest radiograph) (fixed-effect RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.0.71 to 0.88, four studies, n = 3261), but had no effect on lower specificity pneumonia case definition (i.e. age-specific fast breathing with or without lower chest indrawing) (fixed-effect RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.86 to 1.06, four studies, n = 1932). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Zinc supplementation in children is associated with a reduction in the incidence and prevalence of pneumonia.