The Role of Zinc in Bone Tissue Health and Regeneration—a Review

Abstract

Zinc is a micronutrient of key importance for human health. An increasing number of studies indicate that zinc plays a significant role in bone tissue’s normal development and maintaining homeostasis. Zinc is not only a component of bone tissue but is also involved in the synthesis of the collagen matrix, mineralization, and bone turnover. It has been demonstrated that zinc can stimulate runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and promote the differentiation of osteoblasts. On the other hand, zinc has been found to inhibit osteoclast-like cell formation and to decrease bone resorption by stimulating osteoclasts’ apoptosis. Moreover, zinc regulates the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway, thereby facilitating bone remodeling. To date, not all mechanisms of Zn activity on bone tissue are well understood and documented. The review aimed to present the current state of research on the role of zinc in bone tissue, its beneficial properties, and its effects on bone regeneration. Since calcium phosphates as bone substitute materials are increasingly enriched in zinc ions, the paper included an overview of research on the potential role of such materials in bone filling and regeneration.

Stunting and wasting in neurological Wilson disease: Role of copper, zinc, and insulin‐like growth factor‐I

“…Collagen provides the structural framework for bone tissue, and its proper synthesis is essential for bone strength and integrity. Overall, Zn supports the quality and density of bone, which can indirectly contribute to optimal growth and height attainment (Hie et al, 2011;Molenda & Kolmas, 2023;Park et al, 2018Park et al, , 2013Seo et al, 2010). It also plays an important role in growth hormone production, DNA transcription-translation, and cell division (Hamza et al, 2012;Ho & Ames, 2002;MacDonald, 2000;Song et al, 2009).…”

Strategies for Inducing and Validating Zinc Deficiency and Zinc Repletion

“…Skeletal muscle and bone are major Zn 2+ reservoirs, accounting for approximately 50% and 30% of total body Zn 2+ , respectively [2][3][4][5] . Lower Zn 2+ fractions are distributed across various tissues, including the kidney, prostate, liver, gastrointestinal tract, skin, lung, brain, heart, and pancreas [5][6][7][8][9] . Within these organs, intracellular Zn 2+ serves as an essential cofactor for the catalytic activity and structural integrity of over 300 proteins, including those involved in synthesis of macromolecules and cell division [10][11][12][13] .…”

“…Zn 2+ is the second most abundant trace metal in the human body, constituting 2 to 3 grams 1 . Skeletal muscle and bone are major Zn 2+ reservoirs, accounting for approximately 50% and 30% of total body Zn 2+ , respectively [2][3][4][5] . Lower Zn 2+ fractions are distributed across various tissues, including the kidney, prostate, liver, gastrointestinal tract, skin, lung, brain, heart, and pancreas [5][6][7][8][9] .…”

Reactions on the surface of stoichiometric hydroxyapatite of different crystallinities in a Zn²⁺ aqueous solution

“…16) Recently, we reported the direct immobilization of Mg 2+ on high-crystallinity HAp in Mg 2+ aqueous solutions; Mg 2+ was directly precipitated as Mg(OH) 2 on the surface of the high-crystallinity HAp. 17) Zn is a fundamental trace element in the human body, 18), 19) and is present as a trace element in human bones and teeth. 20) Zn plays an important role in bone metabolism by promoting osteoblast activity while inhibiting osteoclast activity.…”