Gut Microbiota as a Mediator of Essential and Toxic Effects of Zinc in the Intestines and Other Tissues

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to review the existing data on the association between Zn status and characteristics of gut microbiota in various organisms and the potential role of Zn-induced microbiota in modulating systemic effects. The existing data demonstrate a tight relationship between Zn metabolism and gut microbiota as demonstrated in Zn deficiency, supplementation, and toxicity studies. Generally, Zn was found to be a significant factor for gut bacteria biodiversity. The effects of physiological and nutritional Zn doses also result in improved gut wall integrity, thus contributing to reduced translocation of bacteria and gut microbiome metabolites into the systemic circulation. In contrast, Zn overexposure induced substantial alterations in gut microbiota. In parallel with intestinal effects, systemic effects of Zn-induced gut microbiota modulation may include systemic inflammation and acute pancreatitis, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as fetal alcohol syndrome and obesity. In view of both Zn and gut microbiota, as well as their interaction in the regulation of the physiological functions of the host organism, addressing these targets through the use of Zn-enriched probiotics may be considered an effective strategy for health management.

Importance of Zinc Nanoparticles for the Intestinal Microbiome of Weaned Piglets

“…Physiological doses of Zn could enhance species capable to improving gut wall integrity and immunomodulation. On the contrary, Zn overexposure could reduce bacterial diversity and lead to systemic inflammation ( 116 ). Based on analysis of growing on selective media, it was evident that 2,000 mg/L of ZnO caused the decrease of total anaerobes in stomach and small intestine, but not in caecum and colon.…”

Zinc Essentiality, Toxicity, and Its Bacterial Bioremediation: A Comprehensive Insight

“…Thus, deficiency of Zn can be an important factor in creating nutritional imbalance and can adversely impact human health, where it can be a precursor in the development of certain medical ailments, including immune dysregulation, impaired immunity, increased vulnerability to infection, lymphopenia, common cold, epilepsy, acne, Wilson’s disease, and neurological diseases, such as schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease ( Irving et al, 2003 ; Walker and Black, 2004 ; Prasad, 2013 ). Zn intake and its excess is also reported to be associated with the modulation of gastrointestinal flora and immune systems ( Skalny et al, 2021 ). In this light, it is also important to note that excessive intake of this element can have negative effects, such as disturbances in the levels of other elements, particularly copper, which can subsequently result in copper deficiency anemia, reduction in the copper-dependent enzymes, and cholesterol metabolism dysregulation ( Terrin et al, 2020 ; Brzóska et al, 2021 ).…”

Gut Microbiota, Macrophages and Diet: An Intriguing New Triangle in Intestinal Fibrosis

“…Indeed, zinc participates in several bacterial processes, including replication and survival. That is why shutting zinc off from disease-causing bacteria is a common strategy used by the immune system to prevent their growth [ 96 ]. Recent studies shows that dietary zinc is a critical factor for gut bacteria biodiversity [ 96 ].…”

“…That is why shutting zinc off from disease-causing bacteria is a common strategy used by the immune system to prevent their growth [ 96 ]. Recent studies shows that dietary zinc is a critical factor for gut bacteria biodiversity [ 96 ]. Similarly, the modulation of gut bacteria is considered a key factor in the regulatory role of zinc in immunity.…”