Variations in grain yield and nutrient status of different maize cultivars by application of zinc sulfate.

Although maize is sensitive to zinc (Zn) deficiencies, the responses of maize cultivars to the foliar application of Zn sulfate (ZnSO4) may vary significantly. Here, we quantified the responses of grain yields and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) absorption to ZnSO4 using 22 modern maize cultivars. The results revealed that 40.9% of the cultivars were not affected by foliar ZnSO4, whereas only 45.5% of the cultivars responded positively to ZnSO4, which was evidenced by increased grain numbers and shortened bald tip lengths. The impact of Zn fertilizer might be manifested in the dry biomass, from the 8-leaf stage (BBCH 18). For Zn-deficiency resistant cultivars, the foliar application of ZnSO4 enhanced N accumulation by 44.1%, while it reduced P and K absorption by 13.6% and 23.7%, respectively. For Zn-deficiency sensitive maize cultivars, foliar applied ZnSO4 improved the accumulation of N and K by 27.3% and 25.0%, respectively; however, it lowered their utilization efficiency. Hence, determining the optimized application of Zn fertilizer, while avoiding Zn toxicity, should not be based solely on the level of Zn deficiency in the soil, but also, take into consideration the sensitivity of some cultivars to Zn, Furthermore, the supplementation of Zn-deficiency sensitive maize cultivars with N and K is key to maximizing the benefits of Zn fertilization.

Zinc improves the developmental ability of bovine in vitro fertilization embryos through its antioxidative action.

Zinc, an essential trace mineral, exerts a pivotal influence in various biological processes. Through zinc concentration analysis, we found that the zinc concentration in the bovine embryo in vitro culture (IVC) medium was significantly lower than that in bovine follicular fluid. Therefore, this study explored the impact of zinc sulfate on IVC bovine embryo development and investigated the underlying mechanism. The results revealed a significant decline in zygote cleavage and blastocyst development rates when zinc deficiency was induced using zinc chelator N, N, N', N'-Tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN) in culture medium during embryo in vitro culture. The influence of zinc-deficiency was time-dependent. Conversely, supplementing 0.8 µg/mL zinc sulfate to culture medium (CM) increased the cleavage and blastocyst formation rate significantly. Moreover, this supplementation reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, elevated the glutathione (GSH) levels in blastocysts, upregulated the mRNA expression of antioxidase-related genes, and activated the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE signaling pathways. Furthermore, 0.8 µg/mL zinc sulfate enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential, maintained DNA stability, and enhanced the quality of bovine (in vitro fertilization) IVF blastocysts. In conclusion, the addition of 0.8 µg/mL zinc sulfate to CM could enhance the antioxidant capacity, activates the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE signaling pathways, augment mitochondrial membrane potential, and stabilizes DNA, ultimately improving blastocyst quality and in vitro bovine embryo development.

The potential of postharvest zinc treatment for preservation of pomegranate aril quality.

A short shelf life usually limits the distribution and supply of pomegranate arils. Since zinc (Zn) has an indispensable role in the nutrient integrity of our diet and is effective in suppressing pathogens, this study was done as two separate experiments of pre-harvest spraying and postharvest dipping of arils with two zinc supplements, including nano zinc oxide (nZnO) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). The optimized concentration of both sources was used in the experiment. The pre-harvest treatment failed to extend the shelf life of arils, and, ultimately, the arils decayed after 15 days. However, the postharvest zinc treatment significantly (P < 0.01) affected all measured indices. Also, zinc sulfate was more effective than nZnO. Zn uptake was higher in postharvest treatments because exogenous Zn was in direct contact with the aril surface. After dissolving in water, Zn ions in sulfate bind to the membrane of microorganisms and thus delay cell division and microbial growth cycle. The solubility of zinc oxide nanoparticles in water is poor. Using the ZnSO4 treatment (0.8%W/V) effectively maintained the values of titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total soluble solids (TSS), anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity. Also, this treatment significantly controlled weight loss in the arils.

The Effect of Different Zinc Sources on Biochemical Parameters, Intestinal Morphology, Carcass Characteristics and Performance in Finishing Lambs.

To investigate the effect of different sources of zinc supplements on blood serum parameters, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology, 18 male Zandi lambs (with initial body weight of 31 ± 1.2 kg and 120 ± 8 days old) were divided into three groups, six animals each in a completely random design. Experimental treatments include (1) control treatment of basal diet without zinc supplementation, (2) basal diet with 40 mg/kg of zinc supplementation from zinc sulfate source, and (3) basal diet with 40 mg/kg of zinc supplementation with origin it was organic (Zn-peptide). All lambs were kept in individual pens with cemented floor and provision of individual feeding and watering. Mean daily weight gain increased with zinc supplementation (P < 0.05), but feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by zinc supplementation in the diet. Zinc supplementation increased the apparent digestibility of the dry matter (P < 0.05), but the digestibility of dietary fat, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were not affected by zinc supplementation. In this experiment, the addition of organic and inorganic supplements to the diet of fattening lambs had no significant effect on serum triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and glucose concentrations, and carcass traits. The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme in the zinc sulfate group was significantly higher than the control and organic zinc groups (P < 0.05). Concentrations of blood urea nitrogen were lower in zinc fed lambs, compared to control (P ≤ 0.05). The villi width in the duodenum was higher in the zinc supplementation treatments (P < 0.05). Also, in the ileum section, the height of the villi in the treatment of zinc sulfate supplement was higher, compared to the complement and control (P < 0.05). The results of this study showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of its source, improved growth performance in fattening lambs. However, no effect was observed on feed intake and efficiency, carcass traits, and blood parameters.

Changes in serum and faecal zinc concentrations following supplementation with zinc sulphate heptahydrate of extensively grazed dairy cattle in New Zealand.

AIMS: To examine the relationship in dairy cattle between serum and faecal Zn concentrations and daily intake of Zn supplemented with an oral drench; and whether total daily intake (TDI) of Zn in dairy cattle can be predicted from single measurements of Zn concentration in serum or faeces. METHODS: A convenience sample of 20 animals from three stock classes (lactating cows, dry cows, heifers), that had not received Zn supplementation in the previous 60 days, was enrolled in the study. From Days -7 to -1, animals received no Zn supplementation. On Day 0, 15 animals per class were assigned daily drenching with increasing doses of ZnSO4.7H2O while five remained controls. From Days 0-6, treatment animals received 12.5 mg/kg LWT of Zn/day; from Days 7-13, 25 mg/kg LWT Zn/day and from Days 14-20, 37.5 mg/kg LWT Zn/day. Animals co-grazed within each stock class. Pasture, serum and faecal samples were collected at the start and at weekly intervals before each increase in Zn supplementation. Mixed and non-parametric models were used to assess treatment effects and whether daily intake of Zn could be predicted from Zn concentrations in serum and faeces. RESULTS: Dosing with 0, 12.5, 25.0 and 37.5 mg Zn/kg LWT resulted in serum Zn concentrations of 12.1, 16.7, 27.2 and 35.8 µmol/L in heifers, 13.3, 17.1, 26.4 and 40.0 µmol/L in dry and 11.9, 12.1, 23.4 and 27.2 µmol/L in lactating cows. Dosing with the same amounts of Zn resulted in faecal Zn concentrations of 2.95, 21.72, 40.32 and 53.27 mmol/kg DM in heifers, 2.81, 23.77, 55.16 and 68.20 mmol/kg DM in dry and 3.00, 12.71, 34.86 and 57.53 mmol/kg DM in lactating cows, respectively. Treatment elevated serum and faecal Zn concentrations above controls (p < 0.001). Supplemented lactating cows had lower serum Zn concentrations than dry cows or heifers (p < 0.01). Supplemented dry cows had faecal DM Zn concentrations higher than heifers or lactating cows (p < 0.05). Analysis showed serum and faecal Zn concentrations could predict TDI of Zn (p < 0.001). Concentrations of Zn in faeces estimated TDI of Zn within a narrower predictive interval than serum Zn concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Concentrations of Zn in serum and faeces were positively associated with TDI of Zn in dairy cattle and could predict TDI of Zn. When using serum and faecal Zn concentrations to estimate TDI Zn, stock class must be accounted for.

Research Note: Relative bioavailability of zinc in zinc hydroxychloride for chicks.

A chick assay was conducted to determine the effects of Zn source on performance and to establish a Zn relative bioavailability value (RBV) for a new source of Zn hydroxychloride. In the assay, 8-day-old chicks were fed a Zn-deficient soy protein concentrate diet supplemented with 0, 7, and 15 mg Zn/kg from feed grade ZnSO4 monohydrate for 14 d to establish a standard response curve. The same basal diet was supplemented with 3, 7, and 10 mg Zn/kg from a new Zn hydroxychloride (SAMZn). A second source of Zn hydroxychloride (IBZn) was supplemented at 10 mg Zn/kg as a direct comparison to the highest level of SAMZn. Weight gain increased (P < 0.05) with increasing Zn level, regardless of source. Weight gain of chicks fed 7 mg Zn/kg from SAMZn was not different (P > 0.05) from chicks fed 15 mg Zn/kg from ZnSO4. Weight gain was not different (P > 0.05) when comparing the 2 sources of Zn hydroxychloride supplemented at 10 mg Zn/kg. Tibia ash Zn and total tibia Zn were increased (P < 0.05) by all Zn sources and responded linearly (P < 0.05) to Zn supplementation from ZnSO4 and SAMZn. Total tibia Zn concentration was not different (P > 0.05) for chicks fed 10 mg Zn/kg from either source of Zn hydroxychloride. Multiple linear regression of total tibia Zn on supplemental Zn intake (R2 = 0.95) resulted in a RBV of 115% for SAMZn compared with ZnSO4 (set at 100%). The RBV of SAMZn was higher (P < 0.05) than ZnSO4. In conclusion, relative bioavailability of Zn (based on tibia Zn) in Zn hydroxychloride from SAMZn was higher than feed grade ZnSO4 based on multiple regression slope-ratio analysis and was similar to that of IBZn Zn hydroxychloride based on tibia Zn responses to 10 mg/kg supplemental dietary Zn.

Comparison between Organic and Inorganic Zinc Forms and Their Combinations with Various Dietary Fibers in Respect of the Effects on Electrolyte Concentrations and Mucosa in the Large Intestine of Pigs.

This study aimed to determine the effects of Zn sources, used with potato fiber (PF) or lignocellulose (LC), on electrolyte concentration and the mucus layer in the large intestine of pigs. The experiment involved 24 barrows with an initial body weight of 10.8 ± 0.82 kg, divided into four groups fed the following diets: LC and ZnSO4, LC and Zn glycinate (ZnGly), PF and ZnSO4, or PF and ZnGly. Fiber supplements provided 10 g crude fiber/kg diet, while Zn additives introduced 120 mg Zn/kg diet. After four weeks of feeding, the pigs were sacrificed and digesta and tissue samples were taken from the cecum and colon. PF increased the water content and decreased the phosphorus concentration in the large intestine in comparison with LC. PF also increased calcium, iron, and chloride concentrations in the descending colon. Mucus layer thickness and histological parameters of the large intestine were not affected. ZnGly diets increased MUC12 expression in the cecum as compared to the LC-ZnSO4 group. In the ascending colon, the PF-ZnGly diet increased MUC5AC expression, while both PF groups had greater MUC20 expression in comparison with the LC-ZnSO4 group. In the transverse colon, the LC-ZnGly group and both PF groups had higher MUC5AC expression in comparison with the LC-ZnSO4 group, and both ZnGly groups had higher MUC20 expression than ZnSO4 groups. PF and ZnGly increased MUC4 and MUC5AC expression in the descending colon. PF and ZnGly may exert a beneficial effect on colon health in pigs by upregulating the expression of the MUC5AC and MUC20 genes and are more effective than LC and ZnSO4.

Xeroderma Pigmentosum: Novel Prophylactic and Therapeutic Approaches. Part One: Topical Zinc Sulfate 25% and Heat Dermabrasion plus Topical Trichloroacetic Acid.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disease; relatively mild XP patients are sometimes designated as having pigmented xerodermoid or xerodermoid pigmentosum (XP-V), a variant of XP. It is commonly associated with many long-standing skin conditions and tumors, including malignancies, management of which is necessary to prevent the progress of the disease. The objective of the study was to report the use of a number of innovative therapeutic and prophylactic treatments, beyond surgery, such as topical 5-fluorouracil, topical imiquimod, other topical immunomodulators, or photodynamic therapy, in treating skin eruptions and their complications in XP patients. This was a prospective therapeutic interventional study in which 50 patients with XP-V were evaluated. Age of subjects ranged from 2 to 50 years with a mean age of 18 years. This study was divided into two parts. In part one, patients were treated by applying topical zinc sulfate 25% twice daily on entire face for 2 months, then once daily for several months or years. In another instance, two women were treated with heat dermabrasion with needle diathermy on the entire face under local anesthesia, followed by application of trichloroacetic acid 35% peeling in a single session. In part two, topical podophyllin 25% was used as therapy for 18 patients, all of whom had XP complications, such as keratoacanthoma, basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell cancers.1 Podophyllin was applied to the lesions until complete resolution was documented. All patients treated with topical zinc sulfate 25% responded well as determined by clearance of actinic keratoses (ActK) and small malignant lesions, minimization of pigmented freckles, prevention of new lesions, and ceased progress of eruptions. Heat dermabrasion administered in a single session resulted in the clearance of pigmented freckles, ActK, and small tumors, and cessation of new eruptions during follow-up that continued for up to 6 years.

Effect of Oral Zinc Supplementation on Serum Bilirubin Levels in Term Neonates With Hyperbilirubinemia Undergoing Phototherapy: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Background: Enterohepatic bilirubin circulation is one of the determinants of neonatal jaundice. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of oral zinc in reducing serum bilirubin in term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: 106 term neonates with jaundice within the phototherapy range admitted to a level III neonatal intensive care unit. INTERVENTION: Neonates were randomized and allocated to receive either oral zinc sulfate (5 mg/day) or matching placebo for 5 days. Both groups received conventional phototherapy as per American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines. OUTCOMES: Primary: Reduction in total serum bilirubin levels at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr after intervention. Secondary: Duration of phototherapy, and hospital stay. RESULTS: The mean (SD) total serum bilirubin levels in zinc and placebo groups were 15.3 (2.85) vs 17.1 (2.21) mg/dL (MD 1.74; P<0.001) at 24 h; 11.7 (4.46) vs. 14.62 (3.83) mg/dL (MD 2.89; P<0.001) at 48 h; 6.7 (4.77) vs 9.5 (3.70) mg/dL (MD 2.79; P <0.001) at 72 h; and 5.1 (3.95) vs 6.5 (3.70) mg/dL (MD 1,49; P=0.045) after 72 hr, respectively. The mean (SD) duration of phototherapy was significantly lower in zinc group than placebo group [ 53.42 (19.62) vs 71.4 (19.43) h; P<0.001]. There was no significant difference in hospital stay between the two groups [mean (SD) 81.05 (19.43) vs 86.25 (20.02) h; P= 0.227]. CONCLUSION: Oral zinc sulfate supplementation at a dose of 5 mg once a day along with phototherapy significantly reduced total and indirect serum bilirubin levels and also reduced the total duration of phototherapy required in the term neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, with minimal or no adverse effects.

The role of zinc sulfate in enhancing cellular and humoral immune responses to foot-and-mouth disease vaccine.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a rapidly propagating infectious disease of cloven-hoofed animals, especially cattle and pigs, affecting the productivity and profitability of the livestock industry. Presently, FMD is controlled and prevented using vaccines; however, conventional FMD vaccines have several disadvantages, including short vaccine efficacy, low antibody titers, and safety issues in pigs, indicating the need for further studies. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel bivalent vaccine containing zinc sulfate as an immunostimulant and FMD type O and A antigens (O PA2 and A YC, respectively) against FMD virus in mice and pigs. Zinc sulfate induced cellular immunity in murine peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) and porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by increasing IFNγ secretion. Additionally, FMD vaccine containing O PA2 and A YC antigens and zinc sulfate induced early, mid-, and long-term immune responses in mice and pigs, and enhanced cellular and humoral immunity by regulating the expression of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), transcription factors, co-stimulatory molecules, and cytokines in porcine PBMCs from vaccinated pigs. Overall, these results indicated that the novel immunostimulant zinc sulfate induced potent cellular and humoral immune responses by stimulating antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T and B cells, and enhanced long-term immunity by promoting the expression of co-stimulatory molecules. These outcomes suggest that zinc sulfate could be used as a novel vaccine immunostimulant for difficult-to-control viral diseases, such as African swine fever (ASF) or COVID-19.

Counteract severe heat stress by including different forms of zinc in the rabbit bucks' diet.

The harmful influences of global warming on rabbit reproduction and industry attract global attention. Zinc (Zn) is an important trace element with a wide list of functions in the male reproductive system. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of different forms of zinc supplementation, as organic (Zn methionine), nano (nano Zn oxide) as indirect way to minimized it impact on environment, and inorganic (Zn sulphate) on physiological parameters, semen quality, anti-oxidative status, hormonal profiles of male rabbits subjected to server heat stress. Thirty-six V-line bucks (6-7 months old, 2842.29 ± 34.46 g weight) were randomly distributed to 4 groups, bucks in 1st group (control group, Con) fed basal diet without Zn supplementation, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups fed basial diet with 30 mg/kg of zinc methionine (Zn-Met), nano zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), and zinc sulphate (Zn-S), respectively for a period of 10 weeks suffered from severe heat stress of environmental ambient temperature (over 32 of temperature humidity index, THI). Semen samples were collected and evaluated for volume, pH, motility, concentration, viability, initial fructose, and seminal plasma antioxidant concentration. Liver, kidney function, hormonal and antioxidant profile were measured in blood serum. The results revealed that, compared to control, all forms of Zn supplementation used significantly improved kidney function (creatinine), serum antioxidant (SOD and CAT), physiological parameters, especially on 1st month of the experiment, and seminal plasma antioxidant (SOD and CAT) of heat stressed bucks. Likewise, semen quality in terms of sperm concentration, sperm viability, and initial fructose enhanced significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by ZnO-NPs supplementation. Zinc methionine supplementation significantly improved liver function and decreased seminal plasma TBARs. Treatments with Zn-Met and ZnO-NPs increased seminal TAC and blood testosterone levels with reduced blood cortisol levels compared to other groups. Severe heat stress could be counteract by inclusion Zn with studied forms Zn-Met and ZnO-NPs at recommended dose (30 mg/kg diet) to improve semen quality and antioxidant status.

Comparison of the Potential Relative Bioaccessibility of Zinc Supplements-In Vitro Studies.

The aim of this study was to determine the potential relative bioaccessibility of zinc (Zn) from selected dietary supplements during in vitro digestion. The bioaccessibility of Zn was evaluated in dietary supplements differing in the pharmaceutical form, content, dose, and chemical form of the element. The content of Zn was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The applied method was validated, and results were characterised by good linearity (R2 = 0.998), recovery (109%), and accuracy (0.02%). As a result of the tests conducted, it was found that the bioaccessibility of Zn from dietary supplements varied and ranged from 1.1% to 9.4%. The highest bioaccessibility was found for zinc diglycinate and the lowest for zinc sulphate. In 9 out of 10 tested dietary supplements, the determined Zn content was higher than the one declared by the producer (up to 161%). The estimated tolerable upper intake level (UL) was exceeded by five of the analysed dietary supplements (123-146%). The analysed dietary supplements were assessed in terms of compliance with the information contained on the product packaging, based on current Polish and European legal regulations. The qualitative assessment was performed according to the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) guidelines.

Efficacy of zinc supplementation for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of zinc sulfate supplementation in managing dysmenorrhoea. METHODS: In total, 103 high school students were randomised into an experimental arm (52 students) and a control arm (51 students) and received 40-mg zinc sulfate or placebo, respectively, over three cycles. Primary outcome measures were the mean Visual Analogue Scale score, which measured pain over three cycles, and the frequency of nausea and vomiting. Secondary outcomes were the use of additional analgesics and the frequency of allergic reactions. RESULTS: Fifty participants were analysed in each group. Mean pain scores were not significantly different between the groups before administering zinc sulfate therapy. Following the intervention, the mean pain scores for the treatment (2.80 ± 2.28) and placebo (3.48 ± 2.85) groups were not significantly different in the first cycle; however, scores in the treatment group were significantly better in the second (2.56 ± 1.97 vs 3.80 ± 2.77) and third (1.95 ± 1.72 vs 3.95 ± 2.82) cycles. No significant differences were observed between the groups in the nausea and vomiting incidence and the requirement for additional analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc sulfate reduces dysmenorrhoea severity with minimal or no adverse effects, especially with more than one cycle of usage.Trial Registration Number: PACTR202105843292338. The trial is publicly available and was registered at www.pactr.org on 25 May 2021.

Preliminary Comparison of Fractional Absorption of Zinc Sulphate, Zinc Gluconate, and Zinc Aspartate after Oral Supple-Mentation in Healthy Human Volunteers.

(1) Background: Zinc is generally used as a nutritional supplement for individuals at nutritional risk, such as older adults. This preliminary study investigated the fractional Zn absorption (FZA) after the supplementation on eight healthy volunteers with three different Zn complexes acquired with milk. (2) Methods: The design was a double-blind, three-period crossover trial. The volunteers were randomly divided into three groups. Each individual consumed 200 mL of bovine milk and rotated through a simultaneous administration of a single oral dose of 70ZnSO4, 70Zn-Gluconate (70Zn-Glu), and 70Zn-Aspartate (70Zn-Asp), equivalent to 2.0 mg 70Zn, followed by 2 weeks of wash-out. An estimation of the FZA for comparative purposes was computed by the isotopic ratio between 66Zn and 70Zn in urine collected before and 48 h after administration. (3) Results: The estimated FZA was found to be significantly higher for 70Zn-Asp when compared to the other forms, while the FZA of 70Zn-Glu was found to be significantly higher than 70ZnSO4. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that complexing Zn with aspartate in milk could be a useful tool to improve FZA in individuals at risk of Zn deficiency. These results provide a rationale for conducting further studies on Zn-Asp preparations.

Zinc supplement reverses short-term memory deficit in sodium benzoate-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats by enhancing anti-oxidative capacity via Nrf 2 up-regulation.

Sodium benzoate (SB) is a commonly-used food preservative, with a controversial report to its neurological benefit and toxicity. Zinc (Zn) is a trace element that plays a crucial role in memory, inflammation and oxidative stress. This study was to investigate the effect of SB on rat cognition and memory and the possible modulatory effect of Zn supplement. Twenty four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six animals each. Animals in groups 1-4 were treated with normal saline 1 ml/kg, SB 200 mg/kg, zinc sulphate 10 ml/kg and SB 200 mg/kg + zinc sulphate 10 ml/kg/day daily respectively for three weeks. After treatment, the animals were subjected to different behavioural tests, and then sacrificed. Their blood samples were collected for catalase(CAT), superoxide dismutase(SOD) and interleukin-1B(IL-1B) assay. Brain samples were also collected for nuclear factor-erythroid-related factor 2(Nrf2), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) mRNA gene expression. The serum levels of CAT and SOD were (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001) reduced in the SB only-treated group compared to the other groups. Nrf2 gene expression was totally shut down in the SB only-treated group but, up-regulated in the Zn-treated groups (p < 0.0001). The serum level of IL-1B was higher in the SB only-treated group compared to the other groups. SB-treated group spent longer time in the close arm (p = <0.0001), shorter time in the open arm (p = <0.0001) and had higher anxiety index (p = 0.0045) than the Zn-treated groups. Conclusively, Zinc improves memory deficit, has anxiolytic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Effects of two concentrations of dietary tribasic zinc sulfate on growth performance, gut morphology, and zinc transporter expression levels in pigs.

Tribasic zinc sulfate (TBZ) is insoluble in water and chemically less active than zinc sulfate, making it more suitable to be used in pig diet. To investigate the effects of TBZ on the growth performance, gut morphology, and zinc transporter expression levels, we performed a single-factor experiment and 168 pigs were allocated to three groups with seven pens per treatment. Pigs were either fed a basal diet without zinc supplementation (control group), or a basal diet supplemented with TBZ at 100 mg/kg diet (LTBZ group) or 1000 mg/kg diet (HTBZ group). We found that daily weight gain and feed intake were higher in the LTBZ group than in the HTBZ and control groups. The pigs in the LTBZ group had a higher villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio when compared with other pigs. Moreover, the pigs in the LTBZ group exhibited higher mRNA expression levels of solute carrier family 39 and lower expression levels of solute carrier family 30 than those fed the HTBZ-supplemented diet. Together, these results indicate that TBZ may potentially be used as a dietary zinc source for young growing pigs and that dietary supplementation with LTBZ benefits growth performance and gut morphology.

Pentapeptide-Zinc Chelate from Sweet Almond Expeller Amandin Hydrolysates: Structural and Physicochemical Characteristics, Stability and Zinc Transport Ability In Vitro.

To promote the application of almond expellers, sweet almond expeller globulin (amandin) was extracted for the preparation of bioactive peptides. After dual enzymatic hydrolysis, Sephadex G-15 gel isolation, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography purification and ESI-MS/MS analysis, two novel peptides Val-Asp-Leu-Val-Ala-Glu-Val-Pro-Arg-Gly-Leu (1164.45 Da) and Leu-Asp-Arg-Leu-Glu (644.77 Da) were identified in sweet almond expeller amandin hydrolysates. Leu-Asp-Arg-Leu-Glu (LDRLE) of excellent zinc-chelating capacity (24.73 mg/g) was selected for preparation of peptide-zinc chelate. Structural analysis revealed that zinc ions were mainly bonded to amino group and carboxyl group of LDRLE. Potential toxicity and some physicochemical properties of LDRLE and Val-Asp-Leu-Val-Ala-Glu-Val-Pro-Arg-Gly-Leu (VDLVAEVPRGL) were predicted in silico. The results demonstrated that both LDRLE and VDLVAEVPRGL were not toxic. Additionally, zinc solubility of LDRLE-zinc chelate was much higher than that of zinc sulphate and zinc gluconate at pH 6.0−10.0 and against gastrointestinal digestion at 37 °C (p < 0.05). However, incubation at 100 °C for 20−60 min significantly reduced zinc-solubility of LDRLE-zinc chelate. Moreover, the chelate showed higher zinc transport ability in vitro than zinc sulphate and zinc gluconate (p < 0.05). Therefore, peptides isolated from sweet almond expeller amandin have potential applications as ingredient of zinc supplements.

Interventions for the prevention of persistent post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Loss of olfactory function is well recognised as a symptom of COVID-19 infection, and the pandemic has resulted in a large number of individuals with abnormalities in their sense of smell. For many, the condition is temporary and resolves within two to four weeks. However, in a significant minority the symptoms persist. At present, it is not known whether early intervention with any form of treatment (such as medication or olfactory training) can promote recovery and prevent persisting olfactory disturbance. This is an update of the 2021 review with four studies added. OBJECTIVES: 1) To evaluate the benefits and harms of any intervention versus no treatment for people with acute olfactory dysfunction due to COVID-19 infection.  2) To keep the evidence up-to-date, using a living systematic review approach.  SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched the Cochrane ENT Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; Web of Science; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the latest search was 20 October 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in people with COVID-19 related olfactory disturbance, which had been present for less than four weeks. We included any intervention compared to no treatment or placebo.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were the presence of normal olfactory function, serious adverse effects and change in sense of smell. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of parosmia, change in sense of taste, disease-related quality of life and other adverse effects (including nosebleeds/bloody discharge). We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.  MAIN RESULTS: We included five studies with 691 participants. The studies evaluated the following interventions: intranasal corticosteroid sprays, intranasal corticosteroid drops, intranasal hypertonic saline and zinc sulphate.  Intranasal corticosteroid spray compared to no intervention/placebo We included three studies with 288 participants who had olfactory dysfunction for less than four weeks following COVID-19. Presence of normal olfactory function The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of intranasal corticosteroid spray on both self-rated recovery of olfactory function and recovery of olfactory function using psychophysical tests at up to four weeks follow-up (self-rated: risk ratio (RR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85 to 1.68; 1 study; 100 participants; psychophysical testing: RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.63; 1 study; 77 participants; very low-certainty evidence).  Change in sense of smell The evidence is also very uncertain about the effect of intranasal corticosteroid spray on self-rated change in the sense of smell (at less than 4 weeks: mean difference (MD) 0.5 points lower, 95% CI 1.38 lower to 0.38 higher; 1 study; 77 participants; at > 4 weeks to 3 months: MD 2.4 points higher, 95% CI 1.32 higher to 3.48 higher; 1 study; 100 participants; very low-certainty evidence, rated on a scale of 1 to 10, higher scores mean better olfactory function). Intranasal corticosteroids may make little or no difference to the change in sense of smell when assessed with psychophysical testing (MD 0.2 points, 95% CI 2.06 points lower to 2.06 points higher; 1 study; 77 participants; low-certainty evidence, 0- to 24-point scale, higher scores mean better olfactory function).  Serious adverse effects The authors of one study reported no adverse effects, but their intention to collect these data was not pre-specified so we are uncertain if these were systematically sought and identified. The remaining two studies did not report on adverse effects.  Intranasal corticosteroid drops compared to no intervention/placebo We included one study with 248 participants who had olfactory dysfunction for ≤ 15 days following COVID-19. Presence of normal olfactory function Intranasal corticosteroid drops may make little or no difference to self-rated recovery at > 4 weeks to 3 months (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.11; 1 study; 248 participants; low-certainty evidence). No other outcomes were assessed by this study.  Data on the use of hypertonic saline nasal irrigation and the use of zinc sulphate to prevent persistent olfactory dysfunction are included in the full text of the review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is very limited evidence available on the efficacy and harms of treatments for preventing persistent olfactory dysfunction following COVID-19 infection. However, we have identified a number of ongoing trials in this area. As this is a living systematic review we will update the data regularly, as new results become available.

Zinc supplementation improves antioxidant status, and organic zinc is more efficient than inorganic zinc in improving the bone strength of aged laying hens.

BACKGROUND: There have been some reports indicating that supplementation of zinc could alleviate the negative effects of age on egg quality in laying hens. However, information regarding these positive effects on health and zinc deposition in the body is limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of organic and inorganic sources of zinc on the antioxidant activity, bone strength, and zinc deposition in the tissues of older laying hens. METHODS: In a completely randomized design, 175 Leghorn laying hens (w36) aged 80 weeks were allocated into seven treatment groups and five replications: control (without zinc supplementation), zinc sulphate treatments (15, 30, and 45 mg/kg), and organic zinc treatments (15, 30, and 45 mg/kg). RESULTS: There was a significant increase in feed intake in the zinc sulphate and organic zinc treatments compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05). The egg mass in organic and sulphate zinc showed a significant increase. The feed conversion ratio was decreased significantly in the organic zinc treatments (p < 0.05). Both organic and sulphate zinc supplements enhanced serum superoxide dismutase activity as an antioxidant index (p < 0.05). The cortical thickness of the tibia was improved in laying hens receiving 30 mg/kg organic zinc. Supplementation of zinc could lead to an increase in zinc deposition in tissues, and organic zinc boosts bone strength. CONCLUSION: Zinc supplementation can improve antioxidant activity, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio and enhance egg mass and optimal absorption of zinc in tissues. The use of 30 mg/kg organic zinc is recommended for improving the cortical thickness of the tibia in aged laying hens.

Efficacy of Oral Zinc Sulfate Supplementation on Clearance of Cervical Human Papillomavirus (HPV); A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

AIM: Human Papillomavirus is one of the most crucial infectious disease in gynecology disease. To assess the efficacy of supplemental zinc treatment in clearance of HPV infection. METHODS: Eighty zinc-sufficient women between 21-55 years, with positive HPV DNA testing, and abnormal cervical cytology in Pap test (ASCUS or LISL) were randomly divided to case (n=40) and control group (n=40). Case group received oral tablets of zinc sulfate twice a day for 3 months while control group received no placebo. During follow-up patients underwent repeat HPV DNA test and PAP test and were evaluated for clearance/persistence of HPV infection and regression/progression in the lesion grading. RESULTS: As far as demographics, serum zinc levels and the relevant risk factors for persistence of HPV were concerned, there was no significant difference between two groups, except for the frequency distribution of HR-HPV which was significantly higher in case  group. Zinc treatment for 3 months reduced the risk of persistence of HPV infection and progression from baseline cytology (OR = 0.130) (CI 95% 0.04-0.381; p <0.001) and 0.301 (95% CI 0.777-0.116; p = 0.012), respectively. Age, initial cytology, HPV type, and contraceptive method were not related to persistence of HPV. Serum zinc levels increased in the casr group as a result of oral zinc consumption for 3-month period, though without any statistical significance (p = 0.407). CONCLUSION: The results of the following study suggested that oral intake of zinc sulfate supplement for 3 months increases the rates of HPV clearance and resolution of pre-existing cervical lesion.