Zinc and skin: an update

Abstract

Summary The essential trace element zinc (Zn) plays a key role in the development, differentiation and growth of various human tissues. Zinc homeostasis is primarily regulated by two zinc transporter families (solute‐linked carrier families, SLC). Disturbances in zinc metabolism may give rise to disorders that typically manifest themselves on the skin. An autosomal recessive zinc deficiency disorder, acrodermatitis enteropathica is caused by a mutation in the gene coding for the ZIP4 transporter. Due to intestinal malabsorption, affected infants develop clinical signs and symptoms shortly after weaning. Acquired zinc deficiency is a rare but underdiagnosed disorder associated with various etiologies and variable clinical manifestations. Depending on the patient's age, a multitude of causes have to be considered. Given the characteristic periorificial and acral lesions, the clinical diagnosis is usually made by dermatologists. Laboratory confirmation includes measurement of plasma zinc levels and – as a supplementary measure – zinc‐dependent enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase. Oral zinc replacement therapy frequently leads to clinical remission within a few days. Depending on the cause, disease management should include cooperation with pediatricians and gastroenterologists in order to guarantee optimal patient care.

Acquired zinc deficiency

“…Dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea are typical symptoms of acquired zinc deficiency, in addition to impaired wound healing, dysgeusia, and night blindness. As with hereditary zinc deficiency, dermatitis of acquired zinc deficiency typically occurs in perioral and acral areas; skin findings are erythematous, scaly, and crusted plaques and erosions . However, in this case, erythema with scales was not observed in those areas, but instead over the entire face.…”

“…There are few case reports of zinc deficiency with a facial rash . Even in modern society, acquired zinc deficiency is common, occurring in approximately 17% of the world population; vegetarians, alcoholics, malnourished individuals, and premature infants are most at risk . Clinicians should consider zinc deficiency as a differential diagnosis of loss of appetite with various facial rashes.…”

Clinical Case of Rare Variant of Inherited Dermatosis: Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

“…Пациент А., 1 год 7 мес: поражение кожи и дериватов при обращении в стационар Известно, что недостаток цинка в организме человека вызывает снижение ферментативной активности и синтеза нуклеиновых кислот, нарушение обмена триптофана, угнетение клеточного и гуморального иммунитета [5]. Цинк оказывает влияние на рост и пролиферацию клеток всего организма, в том числе пищеварительной системы [5]. Процесс «обновления» энтероцитов требует постоянного присутствия достаточной концентрации цинка в кишечнике.…”

“…Процесс «обновления» энтероцитов требует постоянного присутствия достаточной концентрации цинка в кишечнике. К клиническим проявлениям дефицита цинка относят задержку роста, поражение кожного покрова, в том числе развитие околоротового, перианального и акрального дерматитов, а также наличие перхоти, угревой болезни и различных форм опрелостей, угнетение аппетита, заторможенность, апатичность, медленное заживление ран, нейросенсорные и иммунные нарушения [5]. Дефицит цинка может носить как врожденный/наследственный, так и приобретенный характер (табл.…”

Serum Zinc Level and non-Protein Respiratory Quotient in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases

“…Zn is essential for the catalytic activity of numerous enzymes involved in energy nutrition metabolism and seems to regulate several hormones which play important roles in the metabolism [15]. Zn deficiency is a major health issue worldwide and causes numerous clinical symptoms [16][17][18][19]. The homeostasis of Zn is primarily regulated in the liver and the degree of Zn loss in CLD patients has been shown to be well correlated with the liver diseases severity [20][21][22][23][24][25].…”