Alterations of the extracellular matrix of lung during zinc deficiency

Abstract

Suboptimal intake of Zn is one of the most common nutritional problems worldwide. Previously, we have shown that Zn deficiency (ZD) produces oxidative and nitrosative stress in the lung of rats. We analyse the effect of moderate ZD on the expression of several intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton, as well as the effect of restoring Zn during the refeeding period. Adult male rats were divided into three groups: Zn-adequate control (CO) group; ZD group; Zn-refeeding group. CerbB-2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression was increased in the ZD group while the other parameters did not change. During the refeeding time, CerbB-2, cytokeratins, vimentin and PCNA immunostaining was higher than that in the CO group. The present findings indicate that the overexpression of some markers could lead to the fibrotic process in the lung. Perhaps ZD implications must be taken into account in health interventions because an inflammation environment is associated with ZD in the lung.

Paradoxical zinc toxicity and oxidative stress in the mammary gland during marginal dietary zinc deficiency

“…Consistent with reports associating severe Zn deficiency with oxidative stress and inflammation in other tissues [6-9,11,47], we found that marginal Zn deficiency was also associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in both the ductal epithelium and adipocyte-rich stroma in the mammary gland. An important component of the stroma is the protein collagen.…”

“…Excess collagen directly inhibits mammary gland expansion [48] and has major implications for breast disease risk [49]. Consistent with reports that Zn deficiency increases inflammation and fibrosis in lung [47], we observed enhanced collagen accumulation, primarily in the peri-ductal region, associated with Zn hyperaccumulation and oxidative stress in Zn deficient mice. This likely created a physical barrier that impeded ductal elongation in addition to altering the microenvironment of the mammary gland.…”

Zinc and respiratory tract infections: Perspectives for COVID‑19 (Review)

“…It is also notable that zinc deficiency is associated with inflammatory alterations of lung extracellular matrix predisposing to fibrosis (111). This finding is of particular interest in view of the presence of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in cOVId-19 patients (112).…”

Effective Immune Functions of Micronutrients against SARS-CoV-2

“…Adequate zinc levels in the body protect against oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) [ 39 ]. Zinc deficiency promotes the production of proinflammatory cytokines and is linked with the inflammatory alteration of lung predispose to fibrosis [ 40 ]. Supplementation of a moderate dose of zinc has been shown to correct the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines in the elderly caused by zinc deficiency [ 41 ].…”