Multifunctional role of zinc in human health

an update

Authors

  • Despoina P. Kiouri Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece; Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5104-8044
  • Evi Tsoupra Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
  • Massimiliano Peana Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3306-0419
  • Spyros P. Perlepes Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1792-6611
  • Maria E. Stefanidou Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
  • Christos T. Chasapis Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece. E-mail: cchasapis@eie.gr https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8728-6245

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2023-6335

Keywords:

zinc, cancer, gut microbiome, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Alzheimer's disease, aging, immune system

Abstract

Zinc is a multipurpose trace element for the human body, as it plays a crucial part in various physiological processes, such as cell growth and development, metabolism, cognitive, reproductive, and immune system function. Its significance in human health is widely acknowledged, and this has led the scientific community towards more research that aims to uncover all of its beneficial properties, especially when compared to other essential metal ions. One notable area where zinc has shown beneficial effects is in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer. This review aims to explain the involvement of zinc in specific health conditions such as cancer, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, as well as its impact on the gut microbiome.

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Published

2023-08-04

How to Cite

Kiouri, D. P., Tsoupra, E., Peana, M., Perlepes, S. P., Stefanidou, M. E., & Chasapis, C. T. (2023). Multifunctional role of zinc in human health: an update. EXCLI Journal, 22, 809–827. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2023-6335

Issue

Vol. 22 (2023)

Section

Review articles

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2023 Despoina P. Kiouri , Evi Tsoupra, Massimiliano Peana, Spyros P. Perlepes , Maria E. Stefanidou , Christos T. Chasapis

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