In:
LaboratoriumsMedizin, Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Vol. 39, No. s1 ( 2015-11-16)
Abstract:
Clinical and experimental examinations showed a close relationship between zinc as an essential trace element and the immune system. Thus, cellular and humoral components from both the innate and the adaptive immune system are affected by zinc. Human zinc deficiencies are frequently connected with disturbed immune functions. Controlled zinc substitution results in a normalization of zinc serum levels, zinc homeostasis, and the immunological parameters. As shown in in vitro experiments, low zinc concentrations stimulate functional parameters of immune cells, but high zinc concentrations are suppressive or cytotoxic for these cells. Recently, the immunosuppressive effect of zinc was demonstrated in animal models of T-cell-dependent autoimmune diseases, like experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Moreover, decreased serum/plasma zinc concentrations have been detected in patients with different autoimmune diseases. Prospective studies should verify the possibility of controlled immunosuppressive zinc therapies for these diseases.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1439-0477
,
0342-3026
DOI:
10.1515/labmed-2015-0060
Language:
English
Publisher:
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Publication Date:
2015
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2081704-6
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2909042-8
SSG:
15,3
Permalink
