Zinc: What Is Its Role in Lung Cancer?

Abstract

Recently, zinc emerged as an important signaling molecule, activating intracellular pathways and regulating cell fate, although our knowledge remains incomplete. Zinc is required in many enzymatic and metabolic pathways, playing roles as enzyme cofactors. In normal cell physiology, optimal zinc availability is essential for regular growth and proliferation. Zinc accumulation has varied effects from stimulation to inhibition of cell growth, depending on type. There is evidence that zinc is capable of inducing apoptosis in some cancers, while others proved that zinc may act as apoptosis activator depending on the dose and cell type. Upregulation of telomerase in most cancer tissues is considered to be responsible for unlimited proliferation of cancer cells, and in some cell lines, it was induced by Zn. These suggest that Zn is highly involved in cell cycle and metabolism whether it goes to the survival or the cancer pathway depends on the concentration and the cell type involved. Nevertheless, the conclusion is that Zn is not just another trace element but a vital one and further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in cancer and metastatic spread in order to identify potential therapies.

Association between serum zinc levels and lung cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies

“…Zinc deficiency may have adverse events, especially on immune function [51]. Gómez et al had studied the association of zinc and its role in lung cancer [52]. In general, zinc microenvironment may play a key role in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and/or cell signaling alterations which influence the behavior of malignant cancer cells [52], and this may play a role in preventing lung cancer.…”

Zinc Supplementation Effect on the Bronchial Cilia Length, the Number of Cilia, and the Number of Intact Bronchial Cell in Zinc Deficiency Rats

“…( 18) Zinc excess can lead to cell apoptosis, though this effect is different from cell to cell. (19)(20)(21) The images of damaged cells and cilia in nearly all epithelia showed the importance of zinc in maintaining the integrity of cells and bronchial cilia. Zinc deficiency can cause apoptosis directly, with the zinc bond with sulfhydryl easily oxidized, or indirectly.…”

Methodology for the Implementation of Internal Standard to Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Analysis of Soft Tissues

“…Biological tissues contain trace elements that are present in very low concentrations in organisms [ 1 ]. Their optimum amount (in microgram to milligram) in living tissues is small but at the same time crucial in order to maintain good health and overall functioning of an organism [ 2 , 3 ]. Trace elements, confirmed to be essential for human organisms, include the following: arsenic, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silicone, vanadium, and zinc.…”

“…The alteration of trace element metabolism is known to be involved in several pathological processes, including cancer progression. Here, we mainly focus on the zinc detection in soft tissues, as it is one of the most essential metals in human body [ 3 ]. Zinc homeostasis is an important factor indicating proper body functioning.…”