Enhancement of subunit vaccine delivery with zinc-carnosine coordination polymer through the addition of mannan.

Vaccines represent a pivotal health advancement for preventing infection. However, because carrier systems with repeated administration can invoke carrier-targeted immune responses that diminish subsequent immune responses (e.g., PEG antibodies), there is a continual need to develop novel vaccine platforms. Zinc carnosine microparticles (ZnCar MPs), which are composed of a one-dimensional coordination polymer formed between carnosine and the metal ion zinc, have exhibited efficacy in inducing an immune response against influenza. However, ZnCar MPs' limited suspendability hinders clinical application. In this study, we address this issue by mixing mannan, a polysaccharide derived from yeast, with ZnCar MPs. We show that the addition of mannan increases the suspendability of this promising vaccine formulation. Additionally, since mannan is an adjuvant, we illustrate that the addition of mannan increases the antibody response and T cell response when mixed with ZnCar MPs. Mice vaccinated with mannan + OVA/ZnCar MPs had elevated serum IgG and IgG1 levels in comparison to vaccination without mannan. Moreover, in the mannan + OVA/ZnCar MPs vaccinated group, mucosal washes demonstrated increased IgG, IgG1, and IgG2c titers, and antigen recall assays showed enhanced IFN-γ production in response to MHC-I and MHC-II immunodominant peptide restimulation, compared to the vaccination without mannan. These findings suggest that the use of mannan mixed with ZnCar MPs holds potential for subunit vaccination and its improved suspendability further promotes clinical translation.

Effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia.

Zinc is one of the essential microelements for the metabolism of animals. Zinc nanoparticles may have higher bioavailability due to their low specific surface area, facilitating absorption by fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Zinc, in different sizes (nanoparticles or bulk) and forms (inorganic or organic), were used as a supplement in the tilapia diet at a dose of 15 mg kg feed-1 for 60 days. At the end of the feeding trial, production performance, hemato-immunological parameters, activity of antioxidant system enzymes, exposure to Streptococcus agalactiae and zinc concentration in the muscle were examined. After the bacterial challenge, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) significantly increased in the fish treated with organic zinc, inorganic nano zinc, and organic nano zinc, while in the control group (inorganic zinc), MCHC remained unchanged. Regarding defense cells, dietary inorganic nano zinc increased the number of basophils (1.50 ± 1.10) compared to organic zinc (0.80 ± 0.90). Lymphocyte count increased after the challenge only in the organic zinc treatments (bulk and nanoparticles). Neutrophils decreased in the control (inorganic zinc) (2.20 ± 1.70) and inorganic nano zinc (2.60 ± 2.70) treatments after the challenge. When compared before and after the bacterial challenge, the plasma antimicrobial titer significantly increased after the bacterial challenge in all treatments. No significant differences were observed for total proteins, enzymes (SOD and CAT), cumulative survival and zinc deposition on fillet. In conclusion, organic zinc in nanoparticles or bulk size increased Nile tilapia innate defense during bacterial infection. However, the other parameters evaluated were not affected by zinc particle size or form (organic or inorganic), indicating that further evaluations should be conducted with organic zinc in nanoparticles or bulk size in the tilapia diet.

Nutrition: Micronutrients.

Micronutrients are nutrients the body needs in small quantities, such as vitamins and minerals. Micronutrient deficiencies can occur when an individual is restricting calorie intake for weight loss or management, not consuming an adequate amount of food to meet energy requirements due to poor appetite or illness, eliminating one or more food groups from the diet on a regular basis, or consuming a diet low in micronutrient-rich foods despite adequate or excessive energy intake. Patient groups at risk include older adults, pregnant patients, patients with alcohol use disorder, patients with vegetarian or vegan diets, and patients with increased requirements secondary to medical conditions or long-term drug use that alters nutrient absorption, metabolism, or excretion. The micronutrients that most commonly require supplementation are vitamin D, iron, vitamin A, zinc, folate, and iodine. Results of large-scale randomized trials have shown no overall benefit of multivitamins for the majority of patients. However, a daily multivitamin may be beneficial, particularly for patients who do not consistently consume a well-balanced diet. Although dietary supplements can be helpful in correcting deficiencies, higher than recommended doses can cause adverse effects. Patients should be advised to take recommended dosages of supplements and consult their physician if they notice any adverse effects. Physicians should advise patients to consult drug labels and/or pharmacists about potential supplement interactions with drugs or other supplements.

Does the dietary supplementation of organic nano-zinc as a growth promoter impact broiler's growth, carcass and meat quality traits, blood metabolites and cecal microbiota?

The present investigation aimed to examine the impact of different dietary organic zinc nanoparticle (ZnNP) levels on gut bacteria, meat quality, growth performance, carcass traits, and blood indicators of broilers. A total of 180 unsexed one-wk broiler chicks (Cobb) were allotted to 3 experimental groups and received a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.2, and 0.4 mg ZnNPs/Kg diet, respectively. The results showed that, after 38 d of age, the supplementary ZnNPs at a level of 0.4 mg/kg raised body weight and weight gain compared to the control and 0.2 mg ZnNPs/kg diet. The addition of ZnNPs improved the daily feed intake. Some of the carcass characteristics in ZnNPs groups excelled that of the control. ZnNPs treatments gave higher dressing % and decreased (P < 0.05) the cholesterol rates, LDL, and uric acid in the blood. In addition, it gave the best concentrations of ALT and AST. The ZnNPs groups exhibited substantially (P < 0.05) improved moisture and fat values in meat samples. The group given ZnNPs at a concentration of 0.4 mg/kg had a substantially (P < 0.05) lower count of TYMC and E. coli. In conclusion, the high level of ZnNPs (0.4 mg/kg) improved the broilers' performance and some of their carcass traits, enhancing their health and meat quality.

In vitro effects of the combination of serotonin, selenium, zinc, and vitamins D and E supplementation on human sperm motility and reactive oxygen species production.

Infertility affects 15% of all couples worldwide and 50% of cases of infertility are solely due to male factors. A decrease in motility in the semen is considered one of the main factors that is directly related to infertility. The use of supplementation to improve the overall sperm quality has become increasingly popular worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether sperm motility was affected by the combination of serotonin (5-HT), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and vitamins D, and E supplementation. Semen samples were incubated for 75 min at 37°C in medium containing varying concentrations of 5-HT, Se, Zn, vitamin D, and E. 5-HT (200 µM), Se (2 µg/ml), Zn (10 µg/ml), vitamin D (100 nM), and vitamin E (2 mmol) have also been shown to increase progressive sperm motility. Three different mixtures of supplements were also tested for their combined effects on sperm motility and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. While the total motility in the control group was 71.96%, this was found to increase to 82.85% in the first mixture. In contrast the average ROS level was 8.97% in the control group and decreased to 4.23% in the first mixture. Inclusion of a supplement cocktail (5-HT, Se, Zn, vitamins D and E) in sperm processing and culture medium could create an overall improvement in sperm motility while decreasing ROS levels during the incubation period. These molecules may enhance the success of assisted reproduction techniques when present in sperm preparation medium.

Growth and Enzyme Application of Garlic Enriched With Zinc and Natural Magnesium.

Objective: Garlic can help humans ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages by sufficient zinc and magnesium intake.Method: Serpentine treated it by microwaving and sintering to enhance its crystallinity as well as its magnesium and zinc ion release rates. Furthermore, an enriched garlic enzyme extract had an approximately 8-fold increase in alliinase activity. Results: Strong bonding was observed for the microwaved and sintered powders, but also facilitated zinc ion reactions and reduced lattice defects. Accordingly, used for the garlic growth and enzyme experiments.Conclusions: (1) The sintered powder excellent magnesium and zinc ion release capability. (2) The enriched garlic enzymes had high alliinase activity, likely increasing the health benefits of the garlic.

Association of Dietary Intake of Zinc and Selenium with Breast Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study in Chinese Women.

As major nonenzymatic antioxidant components in the body, dietary Zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se) may have an impact on breast cancer development. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary Zn, Se intake and breast cancer risk in Chinese women. The case-control study included 1591 cases and 1622 age-frequency matched controls. Dietary intake was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Dietary Zn and Se were divided into four categories: Zn/Se from plants, Zn/Se from meat, Zn/Se from red meat, and Zn/Se from white meat. Unconditional logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses were performed to identify potential associations. Zn from white meat intake was linearly and inversely associated with breast cancer risk, and Se from red meat intake was linearly and positively associated with breast cancer risk, with adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of 0.76 (0.61-0.95) and 1.36 (1.04-1.77), respectively. Non-linear relationships were found between total dietary Zn, Zn from meat, Zn from red meat intake and breast cancer risk (pnon-linearity < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary Zn and Se intake were associated with breast cancer risk in Chinese women, and the optimal intake of Zn may be beneficial for breast cancer prevention.

Melatonin and zinc supplements with physical and mental activities subside neurodegeneration and hepatorenal injury induced by aluminum chloride in rats: Inclusion of GSK-3ß-Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive cognitive dysfunction. Inflammaging is the greatest common factor between AD and hepatorenal malfunction. This study aimed to use melatonin (MEL) and zinc sulfate (Zn) in addition to physical and mental activities (PMA) to ameliorate AlCl3-induced AD as well as investigate their impact on the associated hepatorenal impairment. METHODS: Seven groups of rats each received: saline (control group), AlCl3 (70 mg/kg, i.p.), PMA, either alone or with a combination of Mel (10 mg/kg, p.o) and/or Zn (16 mg/kg, p.o). Neurological deterioration was assessed after 5 weeks using behavioral tests, histopathological examination, and measurements of acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), brain monoamines, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers, Amyloid precursor protein (APP), amyloid-ß (Aß), tau levels, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Moreover, the GSK-3ß-Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway was assessed. Additionally, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were determined in liver and kidney tissues with concurrent evaluation of hepatic and renal functions. RESULTS: The histopathological examination revealed a cerebral cortex and hippocampus deterioration in the AD group with a decline in spatial learning and memory, besides a significant increase in AD markers in the brain and disturbance in GSK-3ß-Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. The AD group showed hepatorenal injuries supported by elevated oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. However, adding Mel and Zn to PMA significantly attenuated the neurodegeneration and enhanced hepatic and renal functions by ameliorating oxidant and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: Combining Mel and Zn supplements with PMA defends against AlCl3-induced AD by modulating GSK-3ß-Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and palliates the associated hepatorenal dysfunction.

Do Micronutrient and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Affect Human Maternal Immunity during Pregnancy? A Scoping Review.

Maternal dietary micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids support development of the fetal and neonatal immune system. Whether supplementation is similarly beneficial for the mother during gestation has received limited attention. A scoping review of human trials was conducted looking for evidence of biochemical, genomic, and clinical effects of supplementation on the maternal immune system. The authors explored the literature on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from 2010 to the present day using PRISMA-ScR methodology. Full-length human trials in English were searched for using general terms and vitamin A, B12, C, D, and E; choline; iodine; iron; selenium; zinc; and docosahexaenoic/eicosapentaenoic acid. Of 1391 unique articles, 36 were eligible for inclusion. Diverse biochemical and epigenomic effects of supplementation were identified that may influence innate and adaptive immunity. Possible clinical benefits were encountered in malaria, HIV infections, anemia, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, and preventing preterm delivery. Only limited publications were identified that directly explored maternal immunity in pregnancy and the effects of micronutrients. None provided a holistic perspective. It is concluded that supplementation may influence biochemical aspects of the maternal immune response and some clinical outcomes, but the evidence from this review is not sufficient to justify changes to current guidelines.

The impact of zinc and folic acid supplementation on sperm DNA methylation: results from the folic acid and zinc supplementation randomized clinical trial (FAZST).

OBJECTIVE: To determine if 6-month folic acid (5 mg) and zinc (30 mg) supplementation impacts sperm DNA methylation patterns. DESIGN: A multicenter, double-blind, block randomized, placebo-controlled trial titled "The Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation Trial (FAZST)." SETTING: Infertility care centers. PATIENT(S): Male partners (18 years and older) from heterosexual couples (female partners aged 18-45 years) seeking fertility treatment were recruited. INTERVENTION(S): Men were randomized 1:1 to receive folic acid (5 mg) and elemental zinc (30 mg) (n = 713) or a matching placebo (n = 757) daily for 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Sperm DNA methylation was analyzed using the EPIC methylation array (Illumina) at 6 months. Differential sperm DNA methylation was assessed at multiple levels (regional, single cytosine phosphate guanine, etc.). We additionally assessed the impact of supplementation on epigenetic age. RESULT(S): No significant differences were identified between the treatment and placebo groups although some trends appeared to be present. To determine if these trends were noteworthy, we implemented various permutations and found that the patterns we identified were no more than would be expected by random chance. CONCLUSION(S): The data presented here strongly suggest that this supplementation regimen is not effective at altering sperm DNA methylation. These data comport well with previous findings from the FAZST study that found no impact of supplementation on basic semen analysis parameters or live birth. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01857310.

Effect and Tolerability of a Nutritional Supplement Based on a Synergistic Combination of ß-Glucans and Selenium- and Zinc-Enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ABB C1®) in Volunteers Receiving the Influenza or the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 72 volunteers who received a synergistic combination of yeast-based ingredients with a unique ß-1,3/1,6-glucan complex and a consortium of heat-treated probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae rich in selenium and zinc (ABB C1®) or placebo on the next day after getting vaccinated against influenza (Chiromas®) (n = 34) or the COVID-19 (Comirnaty®) (n = 38). The duration of treatment was 30 and 35 days for the influenza and COVID-19 vaccine groups, respectively. Mean levels of CD4+T cells increased from 910.7 at baseline to 1000.2 cells/µL after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the ABB C1® group, whereas there was a decrease from 1055.1 to 929.8 cells/µL in the placebo group. Changes of CD3+T and CD8+T lymphocytes showed a similar trend. In the COVID-19 cohort, the increases in both IgG and IgM were higher in the ABB C1® supplement than in the placebo group. Serum levels of selenium and zinc showed a higher increase in subjects treated with the active product than in those receiving placebo. No serious adverse events related to ABB C1® or tolerance issues were reported. The study findings validate the capacity of the ABB C1® product to stimulate trained immunity.

A Pilot, Phase II, Observational, Case-Control, 1-Month Study on Asthenopia in Video Terminal Operators without Dry Eye: Contrast Sensitivity and Quality of Life before and after the Oral Consumption of a Fixed Combination of Zinc, L-Carnitine, Extract of Elderberry, Currant and Extract of Eleutherococcus.

The aims of the study were to investigate the ability and effectiveness of an oral intake of a fixed combination of zinc, L-carnitine, elderberry extract, black currant and Eleutherococcus extract in controlling the symptoms of eyestrain in videoterminal (VDT) users and to record its effects on contrast sensitivity. A single-center, phase II, observational, case-control, 1-month study in VDT workers without dry eye disease was carried out. Demographics and number of actual hours at VDT/day were taken into account. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including assessment of contrast sensitivity, and completed the computer vision symptom scale questionnaire at baseline and one month later. A total of 30 Caucasian subjects adhered to the required inclusion criteria and completed the study; 15 subjects were treated (T) and 15 were controls (C). All clinical data at baseline were similar in both groups (p > 0.05): after one month, all subjects had stable visual acuity, refractive defect and intraocular pressure (IOP); screen exposure time was unchanged. Regarding symptoms, at randomization, the groups had a similar score: 33.1 ± 3.3 in T and 32.8 ± 5.6 in C. One month later, the computer vision symptom scale (CVSS) questionnaire score decreased by -14.1 ± 3, 1 (p = 0.000) and -2.3 ± 1.8 (p = 0.568), respectively. Regarding contrast sensitivity, in group C the values of spatial frequencies remained unchanged, while they improved in almost all the cycles per degree stimuli in the treated group. Oral intake of a fixed combination of zinc, L-carnitine, elderberry extract, black currant and eleutherococcus extract can significantly improve contrast sensitivity and symptoms in VDT workers with no signs of dry eye disease.

Micronutrient supplements can promote disruptive protozoan and fungal communities in the developing infant gut.

Supplementation with micronutrients, including vitamins, iron and zinc, is a key strategy to alleviate child malnutrition. However, association of gastrointestinal disorders with iron has led to ongoing debate over their administration. To better understand their impact on gut microbiota, we analyse the bacterial, protozoal, fungal and helminth communities of stool samples collected from a subset of 80 children at 12 and 24 months of age, previously enrolled into a large cluster randomized controlled trial of micronutrient supplementation in Pakistan (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00705445). We show that while bacterial diversity is reduced in supplemented children, vitamins and iron (as well as residence in a rural setting) may promote colonization with distinct protozoa and mucormycetes, whereas the addition of zinc appears to ameliorate this effect. We suggest that the risks and benefits of micronutrient interventions may depend on eukaryotic communities, potentially exacerbated by exposure to a rural setting. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of these findings and their impact on health outcomes.

The Influence of Supplementation with Zinc in Micro and Nano Forms on the Metabolism of Fatty Acids in Livers of Rats with Breast Cancer.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation (in the form of nano or microparticles) on the profile and metabolism of fatty acids in the liver microsomes of rats with induced breast cancer. The activity of desaturases (Δ5, Δ6, Δ9) and the level of cholesterol and its oxidized derivatives were measured. The aim of this study was also to determine the effect of various forms of zinc supplements on rats that were on 5-, 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (5-, 12- and 15-HETE) and hydroxyoctadecadienoic (HODE) acids, and the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Female Spraque-Dawley rats (n = 24) were divided into 2 groups that were supplemented with zinc in the micro form (342 nm) or nano form (99 nm) particles, respectively, and a group with a standard diet (control group). All animals received 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene twice for the induction of breast cancer. Dietary nano-Zn supplementation increased vaccenic acid content (p = 0.032) and decreased Δ6-desaturase activity (p = 0.006), whereas micro-Zn increased cholesterol (p = 0.006), ∑COPs (total cholesterol-oxidation products) (p = 0.019) and PGE2 (p = 0.028) content. Dietary enrichment with Zn microparticles resulted in lower concentrations of the metabolites 15-, 12- and 5-HETE and HODE. Our study indicates that the effect of zinc supplementation on the metabolism of fatty acids in the liver microsomes under neoplastic conditions depends on the form in which it is administered.

The Role of Iron and Zinc in the Treatment of ADHD among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder common from childhood to adulthood, affecting 5% to 12% among the general population in developed countries. Potential etiological factors have been identified, including genetic causes, environmental elements and epigenetic components. Nutrition is currently considered an influencing factor, and several studies have explored the contribution of restriction and dietary supplements in ADHD treatments. Iron is an essential cofactor required for a number of functions, such as transport of oxygen, immune function, cellular respiration, neurotransmitter metabolism (dopamine production), and DNA synthesis. Zinc is also an essential trace element, required for cellular functions related to the metabolism of neurotransmitters, melatonin, and prostaglandins. Epidemiological studies have found that iron and zinc deficiencies are common nutritional deficits worldwide, with important roles on neurologic functions (poor memory, inattentiveness, and impulsiveness), finicky appetite, and mood changes (sadness and irritability). Altered levels of iron and zinc have been related with the aggravation and progression of ADHD. OBJECTIVE: This is a systematic review focused on the contribution of iron and zinc in the progression of ADHD among children and adolescents, and how therapies including these elements are tolerated along with its effectiveness (according to PRISMA guidelines). METHOD: The scientific literature was screened for randomized controlled trials published between January 2000 to July 2021. The databases consulted were Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality and risk of bias (CONSORT, NICE, and Cochrane checklists used). CONCLUSION: Nine studies met the eligibility criteria and were selected. Evidence was obtained regarding the contribution of iron-zinc supplementation in the treatment of ADHD among young individuals. The discussion was focused on how the deficits of these elements contribute to affectation on multiple ADHD correlates, and potential mechanisms explaining the mediational pathways. Evidence also suggested that treating ADHD with diet interventions might be particularly useful for specific subgroups of children and adolescents, but further investigations of the effects of these diet interventions are needed.

Oral Zinc Supplementation Decreases the Risk of HCC Development in Patients With HCV Eradicated by DAA.

We have reported that the plasma zinc concentration gradually decreases with the progression of fibrosis and is related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the zinc concentration on HCC development (study 1) and the relationship between zinc intake and HCC development (study 2) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradicated by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). A total of 599 sustained virological response (SVR) patients treated with DAAs without a history of HCC were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Eighty patients received supplemental zinc (Zn treatment group), and 519 patients did not receive zinc (no Zn treatment group). In study 1, the cumulative incidence rate of HCC was compared between the Zn treatment group and the no Zn treatment group. In study 2, the risk factors for HCC development were examined in the no Zn treatment group. In study 1, in the Zn treatment group, HCC did not develop during follow-up, and the cumulative risk of HCC was significantly lower in the Zn treatment group than in the no Zn treatment group (P = 0.048). In study 2, the 1-year and 3-year cumulative incidence rates of HCC were 1.8% and 5.6%, respectively. The risk factors for HCC identified by multivariate analysis were male sex, cirrhosis, low platelet count before treatment, and low serum zinc concentration 12 weeks after the end of DAA therapy. Conclusion: The Zn concentration is related to HCC development in patients with HCV eradicated by DAA therapy. Oral zinc supplementation is recommended as a means of suppressing HCC development in patients who have achieved SVR.

Effect of zinc supplementation on growth performance, intestinal development, and intestinal barrier function in Pekin ducks with lipopolysaccharide challenge.

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of zinc (Zn) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal development and intestinal barrier function in Pekin ducks. A total of 480, one-day-old male Pekin ducks were divided into 6 groups with 8 replicates: 0 mg/kg Zn, 0 mg/kg Zn +0.5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 30 mg/kg Zn, 30 mg/kg Zn +0.5 mg/kg LPS, 120 mg/kg Zn, 120 mg/kg Zn +0.5 mg/kg LPS. The duck primary intestinal epithelial cells (DIECs) were divided into 6 groups: D-Zn (Zinc deficiency, treated with 2 µmol/L zinc Chelator TPEN), A-Zn (Adequate Zinc, basal medium), H-Zn (High level of Zn, supplemented with 20 µmol/L Zn), D-Zn + 20 µg/mL LPS, A-Zn + 20 µg/mL LPS, H-Zn + 20 µg/mL LPS. The results were as follows: in vivo, with Zn supplementation of 120 mg/kg reduced LPS-induced decrease of growth performance and intestine damage (P < 0.05), and increased intestinal digestive enzyme activity of Pekin ducks (P < 0.05). In addition, Zn supplementation also attenuated LPS-induced intestinal epithelium permeability (P < 0.05), inhibited LPS-induced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptosis-related genes (P < 0.05), as well as reduced LPS-induced the intestinal stem cells mobilization of Pekin ducks (P < 0.05). In vitro, 20 µmol/L Zn inhibited LPS-induced expression of inflammatory factors and apoptosis-related genes (P < 0.05), promoted the expression of cytoprotection-related genes, and attenuated LPS-induced intestinal epithelium permeability in DIECs (P < 0.05). Mechanistically, 20 µmol/L Zn enhanced tight junction protein markers including CLDN-1, OCLD, and ZO-1 both at protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.05), and also increased the level of phosphorylation of TOR protein (P < 0.05) and activated the TOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, Zn improves growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and intestinal barrier function of Pekin ducks. Importantly, Zn also reverses LPS-induced intestinal barrier damage via enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins and activating the TOR signaling pathway.

Consumption of Food Supplements during the Three COVID-19 Waves in Poland-Focus on Zinc and Vitamin D.

Food supplements (FS) are a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, or other ingredients with nutritional or other physiological effects. Due to their easy availability, widespread advertising, and sometimes low price, increased consumption of this group of preparations has been observed. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and intake of FS during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, with particular reference to FS containing zinc and vitamin D. It was noted that both of the above ingredients were used significantly more often by people with higher education (59.0%), with a medical background or related working in the medical field (54.5%), and/or exercising at home (60.1%). Preparations containing vitamin D were used by 22.8% of the respondents in the first wave, 37.6% in the second wave, and 32.9% in the third wave. To sum up, we showed the highest consumption of vitamin and mineral supplements, and preparations containing zinc and vitamin D were taken significantly more often by people with higher medical and related education. This indicates a high awareness of health aspects and the need for preventive measures in these groups.

Zinc Status Index (ZSI) for Quantification of Zinc Physiological Status.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is estimated to affect over one billion (17%) of the world's population. Zn plays a key role in various cellular processes such as differentiation, apoptosis, and proliferation, and is used for vital biochemical and structural processes in the body. Widely used biomarkers of Zn status include plasma, whole blood, and urine Zn, which decrease in severe Zn deficiency; however, accurate assessment of Zn status, especially in mild to moderate deficiency, is difficult, as studies with these biomarkers are often contradictory and inconsistent. Thus, sensitive and specific biological markers of Zn physiological status are still needed. In this communication, we provide the Zn status index (ZSI) concept, which consists of a three-pillar formula: (1) the LA:DGLA ratio, (2) mRNA gene expression of Zn-related proteins, and (3) gut microbiome profiling to provide a clear assessment of Zn physiological status and degree of Zn deficiency with respect to assessing dietary Zn manipulation. Analysis of five selected studies found that with lower dietary Zn intake, erythrocyte LA:DGLA ratio increased, mRNA gene expression of Zn-related proteins in duodenal and liver tissues was altered, and gut microbiota populations differed, where the ZSI, a statistical model trained on data from these studies, was built to give an accurate estimation of Zn physiological status. However, the ZSI needs to be tested and refined further to determine its full potential.

Zinc Supplementation with or without Additional Micronutrients Does Not Affect Peripheral Blood Gene Expression or Serum Cytokine Level in Bangladeshi Children.

Preventive zinc supplementation provided as a stand-alone dispersible tablet, or via home fortification as multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs), has been considered a potential strategy to prevent zinc deficiency and improve health (including immune) outcomes among children in low- and middle-income countries. However, the impact of zinc supplementation on immune profiles has not been well characterized. We sought to define the effect of zinc supplementation on peripheral blood gene expression and cytokine levels among young children in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In a sub-study of a large randomized, controlled, community-based efficacy trial where children 9-11 months of age received one of the following interventions on a daily basis for 24 weeks: (1) MNPs containing 10 mg of zinc; (2) dispersible tablet containing 10 mg zinc; or (3) placebo powder, we used RNA sequencing to profile the peripheral blood gene expression, as well as highly sensitive multiplex assays to detect cytokine profiles. We profiled samples from 100 children enrolled in the parent trial (zinc MNPs 28, zinc tablets 39, placebo 33). We did not detect an effect from either zinc intervention on differential peripheral blood gene expression at the end of the intervention, or an effect from the intervention on changes in gene expression from baseline. We also did not detect an effect from either intervention on cytokine concentrations. Exploratory analysis did not identify an association between undernutrition (defined as stunting, underweight or wasting) and peripheral blood gene expression. Zinc interventions in children did not produce a gene expression or cytokine signature in the peripheral blood. However, this study demonstrates a proof of principle that sensitive multi-omic techniques can be applied to samples collected in field studies.