Efficiency of exogenous zinc sulfate application reduced fruit drop and improved antioxidant activity of 'Kinnow' mandarin fruit / A eficiência da aplicação de sulfato de zinco exógeno reduziu a queda da fruta e melhorou a atividade antioxidante da tangerina 'Kinnow'

'Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.× Citrus deliciosa T.) is an important marketable fruit of the world. It is mainstay of citrus industry in Pakistan, having great export potential. But out of total production of the country only 10% of the produce meets the international quality standard for export. Pre-harvest fruit drop and poor fruit quality could be associated with various issues including the plant nutrition. Most of the farmers do not pay attention to the supply of micro nutrients which are already deficient in the soil. Furthermore, their mobility within plants is also a question. Zinc (Zn) is amongst those micronutrients which affect the quality and postharvest life of the fruit and its deficiency in Pakistani soils is already reported by many researchers. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of pre-harvest applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; 0, 0.4%, 0.6% or 0.8%) on pre-harvest fruit drop, yield and fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin at harvest. The treatments were applied during the month of October i.e. 4 months prior to harvest. The applied Zn sprays had significant effect on yield and quality of the "Kinnow" fruit. Amongst different foliar applications of ZnSO4applied four months before harvest, 0.6% ZnSO4 significantly reduced pre-harvest fruit drop (10.08%) as compared to untreated control trees (46.45%). Similarly, the maximum number of fruits harvested per tree (627), fruit weight (192.9 g), juice percentage (42.2%), total soluble solids (9.5 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (35.5 mg 100 g-¹) and sugar contents (17.4) were also found significantly higher with 0.6% ZnSO4 treatment as compared to rest of treatments and control. Foliar application of 0.6% ZnSO4 also significantly improved total antioxidants (TAO) and total phenolic contents (TPC) in fruit. In conclusion, foliar [...].

A tangerina 'Kinnow' (Citrus nobilis L. × Citrus deliciosa T.) é uma importante fruta comercializável do mundo. É o esteio da indústria cítrica no Paquistão, com grande potencial de exportação. Mas, da produção total do país, apenas 10% da produção atendem o padrão internacional de qualidade para exportação. A queda da fruta antes da colheita e a baixa qualidade da fruta podem estar associadas a vários problemas, incluindo a nutrição da planta. A maioria dos agricultores não se preocupa com o fornecimento de micronutrientes que já são deficientes no solo. Além disso, sua mobilidade dentro das plantas também é uma questão. O zinco (Zn) está entre os micronutrientes que afetam a qualidade e a vida pós-colheita da fruta, e sua deficiência em solos paquistaneses já é relatada por diversos pesquisadores. Portanto, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a influência da aplicação pré-colheita de sulfato de zinco (ZnSO4; 0, 0,4%, 0,6% ou 0,8%) na queda dos frutos na pré-colheita, produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da tangerina 'Kinnow' em colheita. Os tratamentos foram aplicados durante o mês de outubro, ou seja, 4 meses antes da colheita. As pulverizações de Zn aplicadas tiveram efeito significativo no rendimento e na qualidade da fruta 'Kinnow'. Entre as diferentes aplicações foliares de ZnSO4 efetuadas quatro meses antes da colheita, 0,6% de ZnSO4 reduziu significativamente a queda de frutos antes da colheita (10,08%) em comparação com as árvores de controle não tratadas (46,45%). Da mesma forma, número máximo de frutos colhidos por árvore (627), peso do fruto (192,9 g), porcentagem de suco (42,2%), sólidos solúveis totais (9,5 ° Brix), teor de ácido ascórbico (35,5 mg / 100 g-¹) e os teores de açúcar (17,4) também foram significativamente maiores com o tratamento com 0,6% de ZnSO4 em comparação com o restante dos tratamentos e o controle. A aplicação foliar de 0,6% de ZnSO4 também melhorou significativamente os [...].

Short- and long-term effects of zinc treatment on lacrimal gland histopathology and tear functions tests in radioiodine-administered rats / Efeitos de curto e longo prazo do tratamento com zinco na histopatologia da glândula lacrimal e funções lacrimais em ratos que receberam iodo radioativo

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the short-term (1 week) and long-term (8 weeks) protective effects of zinc administration on radioiodine (RAI)-induced lacrimal gland damage of rats. Methods: A total of 40 rats were divided into two groups: an RAI group (n=20), which was administrated a single dose of 3 mCi of 131I and 1 mL physiologic saline for 7 days by gastric gavage, and a zinc group (n=20), which received a single dose of 3 mCi of 131I and 1 mL of physiologic saline containing zinc sulfate at a concentration of 10 mg/kg concentration for 7 days by gastric gavage. All rats underwent tear function tests before and 1 week after RAI administration. About 1 week after irradiation, half of the animals in each group were sacrificed and the extraorbital lacrimal glands were removed for histopathological examination. The remaining animals of the groups underwent the same procedures at 8 weeks after irradiation. Results: In the RAI and zinc groups, the mean tear production was 3.75 ± 1.55 and 3.65 ± 1.53 mm at baseline, 2.10 ± 1.07 and 3.30 ± 1.34 mm at week 1 (p=0.004), and 3.22 ± 1.48 and 3.50 ± 1.78 mm at week 8, respectively; further, the mean corneal fluorescein staining scores were 4.65 ± 2.16 and 4.80 ± 2.21 points at baseline, 7.85 ± 1.90 and 5.45 ± 2.06 points at week 1 (p=0.001), and 5.44 ± 2.13 and 4.90 ± 2.08 at week 8, respectively. The histopathological changes in rat lacrimal glands at weeks 1 and 8 were consistent with the tear function test results. Conclusions: Zinc treatment seems to be protective against RAI-induced lacrimal gland damage of rats, particularly in the acute period.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar se o tratamento com zinco tem efeito protetor, no curto prazo (1 semana) e longo prazo (8 semanas), sobre os danos induzidos na glândula lacrimal por iodo radiotativo (RAI) em ratos. Métodos: Quarenta ratos foram divididos em dois grupos. No grupo RAI (n=20) foi administrada uma única dose de 3 mCi 131I e 1 cc de solução salina fisiológica durante 7 dias, por gavagem gástrica. O grupo zinco (n=20) recebeu uma dose única de 3 mCi 131I e 1 cc de solução salina fisiológica contendo sulfato de zinco na concentração de 10 mg/kg durante 7 dias por gavagem gástrica. Os testes de função lacrimal foram realizadas para todos os animais antes e após uma semana da administração da RAI. Em seguida, após 1 semana da administração, metade dos animais de cada grupo foi sacrificada e as glândulas lacrimais extraorbitais foram removidas para exame histopatológico. Os animais remanescentes dos grupos foram submetidos aos mesmos procedimentos após 8 semanas a radiação. Resultados: As médias de produção lacrimal foram de 3,75 ± 1,55 e 3,65 ± 1,53 mm na linha de base, 2,10 ± 1,07 e 3,30 ± 1,34 mm na 1a semana (p=0,004), e 3,22 ± 1,48 e 3,50 ± 1,78 mm na 8a semana, para os grupos RAI e zinco, respectivamente. As pontuações médias de coloração fluoresceína foram 4,65 ± 2,16 e 4,80 ± 2,21 no início do estudo, 7,85 ± 1,90 e 5,45 ± 2,06 na primeira semana (p=0,001), 5,44 ± 2,13 e 4,90 ± 2,08 pontos na 8a semana, para os grupos RAI e zinco, respectivamente. As alterações histopatológicas das glândulas lacrimais em 1 e 8 semanas foram consistentes com os testes de função lacrimal resultados. Conclusões: O tratamento de zinco parece ser protetor sobre os danos glândula lacrimal induzidos por RAI em ratos, especialmente no período agudo.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Leprosy.

Serum Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) acts as marker of cellular immunity and its activity is found to be altered in various diseases in which there is a cell mediated immune response (CMI) including leprosy. The role of zinc is well established in the development and maintainence of immunocompetence and its supplementation activates the immune response in particular Tlymphocytes and monocytes in several ways. The aim of the study was planned to evaluate the effect of nutritional zinc supplementation on cell mediated immune response by investigating the pre and post intervention serum ADA levels after oral zinc sulphate supplementation in leprosy patients. A total of 49 cases, 30 Tuberculoid Leprosy (TT) and 19 Lepromatous Leprosy (LL) patients, within the age group of 25-60 years were enrolled in the study along with 30 age matched healthy controls. Serum ADA was estimated in all the subjects before and after (2 months and 4 months) oral zinc supplementation. Pre intervention serum ADA level was observed to be significantly increased in both the TT and LL (p<0.001) groups as compared to controls, revealing raised immunological activity in the patients. After oral zinc sulphate supplementation serum ADA re-evaluation was done in 38 cases. A highly significant (p < 0.001 ) rise in ADA level was registered in the post intervention period (4 months supplementation) in TT cases with a moderately significant (p< 0.05) increase in LL cases, indicating the ability of oral zinc therapy to affectively alter the cell mediated immune response in leprosy.

Zinc sulphate administered by transdermal iontophoresis improves breaking strength of surgical wounds in skin of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

PURPOSE:To investigate the effect of zinc sulphate administered by transdermal iontophoresis (TDI) on mechanical resistance of surgical wounds performed in the skin of diabetic rats. METHODS:One hundred and sixty male Wistar rats weighing approximately 250g were submitted to an incision surgery at the anterior region of abdomen and randomly distributed into four experimental groups with 40 non-diabetic control animals (G1) and 40 untreated diabetic animals (G2), both without any treatment of incisions; 40 non-diabetic animals (G3) and 40 untreated diabetic animals (G4), both with incisions treated with zinc sulphate, administered for a period of four consecutive days after surgery, in sessions of ten minutes duration, using a continuous-current electrostimulator (Zn + TDI). Each experimental group was further divided into four subgroups with ten rats each to be evaluated on the 4th, 7th, 14th, and 21st day after surgery. In each period were analyzed clinical and laboratory from the animals, and measured the breaking strength and hydroxyproline content (OH-P) of the skin scars. RESULTS: Breaking strength (BS) was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in skin scars of untreated diabetic rats (G2) on the 7th, 14th, and 21st postoperative days when compared to non-diabetic control rats (G1). In contrast, BS in skin scars of non-diabetic and untreated diabetic rats (G3, G4) treated with Zn + TDI showed significant increase (p<0.05) in those periods when compared with their respective controls with untreated incisions. The OH-P content of the scars did not show statistically significant variation in all studied groups at four different times evaluated after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc sulphate administered by transdermal iontophoresis had beneficial effect on the mechanical resistance of scars produced in the skin of diabetic rats. This therapeutic may have potential to reduce the complications observed in surgical wounds of the skin in diabetic subjects, mainly in most vulnerable stages of incisions to dehiscences, leakages and infections.

Zinc en la terapia del síndrome de déficit de atención e hiperactividad en niños: Un estudio controlado aleatorio preliminar / Zinc in the therapy of the attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children: A preliminar randomized controlled trial

El síndrome de déficit de atención e hiperactividad (ADHD) es un trastorno neurológico /conductual que se inicia en la infancia. Se ha propuesto que el zinc tendría un potencial rol como terapia adjunta para el ADHD. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de la suplementación con zinc sobre la conducta, como terapia complementaria al metilfenidato, en niños con ADHD. En un estudio controlado, doble ciego, se seleccionaron 40 pacientes con criterios clínicos y psicométricos de ADHD, (31 niños, 9 niñas, 7-14 años de edad). Ellos fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente para recibir ya sea metilfenidato 0,3 mg/kg/d + placebo (sacarosa) (grupo placebo, GPL), o metilfenidato 0,3 mg/kg/d + zinc (sulfato) 10 mg/d (grupo Zn, GZN) por 6 semanas; se excluyeron 4 niños. Se tomó una muestra de 3 mL de sangre en el tiempo 0 y a las 6 semanas para el análisis de Zn plasmático; se aplicó en ambos tiempos a padres y profesores la escala abreviada de Conners para ADHD. Entre los resultados, El Zn plasmático fue normal en el tiempo 0 en ambos grupos, disminuyendo después de 6 sem., especialmente en el grupo GPL (GPL: 95,9 ± 21,5 a 77,9 ± 15,5; GZN: 90.3 ± 9.1 a 85,0 ± 12,0 μg/dl, NS). El test de Conners aplicado por los profesores mostró una aparente mejoría en GZN: GPL: 18 (9-28) a 16 puntos (2-26); GZN: 19 (6-24) a 11 puntos (3-23) (p= 0,07), sin mejoría en el Conners aplicado por los padres: GPL: 19 (7-25) a 13 (3-22); GZN: 19 (7-25) a 11 (2-19). Se concluye que se observa una disminución en las concentraciones plasmáticas de Zn en ambos grupos, pero mayor en el grupo placebo. Con el suplemento de zinc se observa una aparente mejoría en los síntomas de ADHD, de acuerdo con la evaluación de Conners aplicada por profesores. Se requiere avanzar en el estudio de esta probable interacción entre zinc y metilfenidato.

The attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological/behavioral disorder which begins in childhood. Zinc has a potential role as an adjuvant therapy for ADHD. The objective was to evaluate the effect of Zn supplementation on behavior, as a complementary therapy to metylphenidate, in pediatrics patients with ADHD. In a controlled, double blind design, 40 patients with clinical criteria of ADHD (DSMIV) and psychometric evaluation (WISC-R), were selected (31 boys and 9 girls, 7-14 years of age). They were randomized to receive methylphenidate 0.3 mg/kg/d + placebo (sucrose) (group placebo, GPL) or methylphenidate 0.3 mg/kg/d + zinc (sulfate) 10 mg/d (group Zn, GZN) for 6 weeks. A blood sample was drawn at time 0 and 6 weeks, for plasma Zn analysis. The teacher and parent ADHD rating scale (Conners` global index, CGI) was applied at both times. Among the results, plasma Zn was normal at time 0, decreasing especially in the GPL after 6 weeks (GPL: 95.9 ± 21.5 to 77.9 ± 15.5; GZN: 90.3 ± 9.1 to 85.0± 12.0 μg/dL; NS). The CGI by teachers showed a non-significant improvement with Zn: GPL: 18 (9- 28) to 16 points (2-26); GZN: 19 (6-24) to 11 points (3-23) (p=0.07); no significant difference in the CGI by parents by groups was found: GPL: 19 (7-25) to 13 (3- 22); GZN: 19(7-25) to 11(2-19). We conclude that a decrease in plasma Zn levels in both groups was found, greater in the placebo group. An apparent improvement in ADHD signs in children was observed with the Zn supplementation, according to the Conners global index by teachers.

New intralesional therapy for basal cell carcinoma by 2% Zink sulphate solution

To assess the effectiveness of intralesional injections of 2% Zink sulphate in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma [BCC]. This is an open-label case interventional study conducted at the department of surgery at Al Rashid general hospital [Saudi Arabia] between January 2007 to January 2008. 11 patients were treated by intralesional injection of 2% zinc sulphate solution. 11 patients [10 males and one female] with BCC were included in this study, they had 25 lesions ranging from 1 to 3 lesions per patient. Their ages range from 46 to 70] while the duration of the disease was between 7 months and 36 years [11.35 +/- 8.46] [median: 2]. A total of 25 lesions of BCC, 12 [48%] nodulr, 10 [40%] superficial pigmented, 2 [8%] nodulo-ulcerative, and one [4%] cystic. 10 lesions were injected with 2% zinc sulphate solution while 15 were infiltrated with 4% zinc sulphate solution and 2% xylocaine. 11[44%] was in the scalp, 9 [36%] in the face,4[16%]in the cheek and one [4%] in the chest. The number of injections for each lesion ranged from 1-4 injections. All lesions showed clinical cure: 6 [24%] after first injection, 13 [52%] after second injections, 5 [20%] after third injections and one after fourth injection. This is a new effective, safe, non-costly local therapy of BCC. It is advised in all patients and in all types of BCC especially when the number of lesions is multiple, small and in elderly individuals

Topical therapy of acne vulgaris using 2% tea lotion in comparison with 5% zinc sulphate solution

To evaluate effectiveness of 2% tea lotion in comparison with 5% zinc sulphate solution in the treatment of acne vulgaris. This is a single-blind randomly comparative therapeutic clinical trial carried out in the Department of Dermatology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq from June 2006 to December 2007. Full history and clinical examination were studied for each patient regarding all relevant points of the disease, to evaluate the severity of acne. Forty-seven patients with acne vulgaris were divided randomly into 2 groups, and were instructed to use the following solutions twice daily for 2 months; group A used 2% tea lotion, group B used 5% zinc sulphate solution. Patients with papulopustular lesions were included in the study, while patients with severe acne were excluded. The clinical improvement was scored by counting the number of inflammatory lesions before, and after treatment. Forty patients completed the study, their ages ranged from 13-27 years with a mean +/- standard deviation of 19.5 +/- 3.5 years with 20 patients in each group. Two percent tea lotion was statistically significant in decreasing the number of the inflammatory lesions in acne vulgaris, while 5% zinc sulphate solution was beneficial, but did not reach statistically significant level as tea lotion. Two percent tea lotion was a good alternative remedy to be used in the treatment of acne vulgaris, and was much superior than topical 5% zinc sulphate solution

[Effects of zinc supplementation on the physical growth of 2-5 years old children]

Physical growth disorder in children, aged under 5-years, is a common health problem in developing countries, including Iran, where national studies have shown that the prevalence of stunted growth disorder is approximately 15 percent. The aim of this study was to determine effects of supplemental zinc on physical growth in children with retarded growth. The study was a 12-month community-based RCT which incorporated 6 months of zinc supplementation to 2-5-year-old children with height-for-age index less than the 25th percentile of NCHS [n=90]; children were assigned randomly into either the Zinc Group receiving 5 ml of a solution containing 5 mg of zinc as zinc sulfate [ZG, n=40] or the Placebo Group who received placebo [PG, n=45] daily [7d/wk] for 6 months. The children's weight, height, mid-upper arm, Z-score for height for age, weight for age and weight for height were measured at baseline and monthly for 12 months. Data were analyzed by the SPSS statistical package. Student-t test was used for comparing the means and chi-square and Fisher's exact test were performed to compare categorical variables. Eighty-five children completed [55.3% girls, 44.7% boys] the study supplementation; compliance with supplement consumption was 95-100% and the two groups were not significantly different. The means of total weight increments [Kg] among girls in the PG and ZG groups were 2 +/- 0.9 and 2.6 +/- 1.1 [PV=0.05], respectively and for boys were 2.1 +/- 0.8 and 2.7 +/- 0.8 [PV=0.04], respectively. The mean of total mid arm circumference increments [Cm] among girls in the PG and ZG groups were 1.23 +/- 0.46 and 1.7 +/- 0.51 [PV=0.8], respectively; these figures for boys were 1.43 +/- 0.51 and 1.19 +/- 0.39 [PV=0.1], respectively. The means of total height increment [Cm] among girls, in the PG and ZG groups were 8.28 +/- 2.23 and 9.64 +/- 1.7 [PV=0.02], respectively; these figures for boys were 8.34 +/- 3.14 and 11.7 +/- 1.96 [PV=0.001], respectively. At baseline, stunted rates in the ZG and PG groups were 26.7% and 15% respectively [NS]. However, these rates in the 6th month of intervention in ZG and PG were 2.5 and 20%, respectively [PV= 0.01]. The results of this study showed that administration of 5 mg zinc daily to young children have significant effects on growth, particularly if the interventions are focused on stunted children

Neuroprotective effects of zinc on antioxidant defense system in lithium treated rat brain.

With a view to find out whether zinc affords protection against lithium toxicity the activities of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation profile were determined in the cerebrum and cerebellum of lithium treated female Sprague Dawley rats. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in both the cerebrum and the cerebellum of animals administered with lithium for a total duration of 4 months as compared to the normal control group. On the contrary, the activities of catalase and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) were significantly reduced after 4 months of lithium treatment. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly increased in the cerebrum after 4 months lithium administration, whereas in the cerebellum the enzyme activity was unaffected. No significant change in the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) was found in either cerebrum or cerebellum after 2 months of lithium treatment. However, 4 months lithium treatment did produce significant changes in GSH levels in the cerebrum and in the cerebellum. Zinc supplementation for 4 months in lithium-treated rats significantly increased the activities of catalase and GST in the cerebellum, showing that the treatment with zinc reversed the lithium induced depression in these enzyme activities. Though, zinc treatment tended to normalize the SOD activity in the cerebrum yet it was still significantly higher in comparison to normal levels. From the present study, it can be concluded that the antiperoxidative property of zinc is effective in reversing the oxidative stress induced by lithium toxicity in the rat brain.

Avaliação dos teores totais de cobre, ferro e zinco em chás de erva medicinais / Evaluation of total contents of copper, iron and zinc in teas of medicinal grass

As ervas medicinais vêm sendo amplamente estudadas e comercializadas em nosso país. A maioria destes estudos versa sobre seus ativos, normalmente compostos orgânicos de funções diversas no organismo. Cada vez mais as aplicações das diversas ervas medicinais de nossa flora vêm se ampliando e grupos de interesse nesta área vêm aumentando. Antes, o uso de chás era através de indicações caseiras; atualmente, além dos conhecimentos de uso popular destas ervas, várias pesquisas são feitas na área farmacológica, visando conhecer e aumentar o campo de atuação destas plantas. No que diz respeito à composição dos elementos traços nessas plantas, existem estudos, mas ainda precários. O cobre, ferro e zinco são elementos essenciais a diversas funções do organismo. Sabendo da importância destes, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o teor de cobre, ferro e zinco em chás de ervas medicinais.(...).

Oral administration of zinc sulphate in treatment of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis

Due to increasing unresponsiveness and significant side effects associated with antimonial compounds, alternative therapeutic modalities are suggested. Recently oral zinc sulphate has been reported to be effective in the treatment of CL. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of CL. The present study comprised 31 patients with clinical diagnosis of dry type leishmaniasis and parasitologically proven cutaneous leishmaniasis of which 22 patients received a full course of treatment. Patients were treated with 10 mg/Kg/day of oral zinc sulphate for 45 days and were followed through 20 and 45 days of treatment as well as 45 days after cessation of therapy. Only 2 [9%] of 22 patients were cured after 45 days of treatment with zinc sulphate. The administration of zinc sulphate for the treatment of CL seemed to be of inadequate therapeutic value

Long term excessive Zn-supplementation promotes metabolic syndrome-X in Wistar rats fed sucrose and fat rich semisynthetic diet.

During the last two decades Zinc (Zn) as a micronutrient is being used indiscriminately in agricultural and husbandry practices and also in baby foods and multivitamin supplements with a view that Zn is non-toxic and promotes linear growth and body weight in the consumers. The long-term effect of increasing Zn load in the body has not been worked out so far. In this study, three groups of rats were fed on a semi-synthetic diet containing 20 mg (control, group-I), 40 mg (group-II) and 80 mg Zn /kg (group-III) diet respectively for 6 months. The results revealed that the gain in body weight increased in rats in Zn-concentration dependent manner. The urine examined on weekly basis showed glucosuria in group-II on week 10 and in group-III on week 8 and thereafter. The arterial blood pressure was significantly higher in group-II and III than their control counter parts on monthly basis. Histochemical examination of skin revealed an increase in the number of adipocytes filled with triglycerides making a subcutaneous fatty tissue thicker in group-II and group-III than that of control group. The blood profile after 180 days of dietary treatment, displayed a significant rise in glucose, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, insulin, cortisol and aldosterone whereas HDL-cholesterol, T3, T4 and TSH showed a reduction in their levels in the blood serum. The tissue metal status showed an increase of Zn, Cu and Mg in the serum, a rise in Zn in liver, hair and abdominal muscles and fall in Cu and Mg concentrations in liver, hair and abdominal muscles. This data suggest that Zn in excess in diet when fed for longer periods of time induces metabolic syndrome-X.

Efeito da suplementação de zinco a crianças de 1 a 5 anos de idade / Effects of zinc supplementation on 1- to 5-year old children

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da suplementação com zinco sobre os parâmetros nutricionais e bioquímicos entre crianças de 12 a 59 meses de idade. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo clínico randomizado unicego com 58 crianças entre 12 e 59 meses participantes do Programa Governamental de Combate a Carências Nutricionais, que fornecia mensalmente 2 kg de leite fortificado com ferro. O grupo intervenção (n = 28) foi suplementado com 10 mg/dia de sulfato de zinco por 4 meses, e o grupo controle (n = 30) recebeu solução placebo. Para avaliação do estado nutricional, utilizaram-se os indicadores peso por estatura e estatura por idade, expressos em escores z, do padrão de referência NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics), parâmetros bioquímicos de ferro e zinco séricos e concentração de hemoglobina e hematócrito. RESULTADOS: A suplementação com zinco não interferiu significativamente sobre as condições antropométricas das crianças. Ambos os grupos apresentavam concentrações iniciais baixas de zinco sérico. Após o término do período de intervenção, a variação nos níveis médios de hemoglobina (p = 0,002) e as concentrações de hematócrito (p = 0,001), zinco (p = 0,023) e ferro séricos (p = 0,013) foram significativamente mais elevadas no grupo suplementado. CONCLUSÃO: A suplementação com zinco promoveu melhora na resposta hemoglobínica e normalizou a concentração sérica de zinco. Os resultados mostram a importância de se estabelecer políticas de combate a carências nutricionais que também possam dar atenção à carência de zinco.

Diabetic neuropathy and zinc therapy.

This was a double blind study conducted on 60 subjects; 20 age and sex matched healthy controls (Group-I), 20 patients of diabetes mellitus with neuropathy who received placebo for 6 weeks (Group-IIA); and 20 patients of diabetes mellitus with neuropathy who were given oral 660 mg zinc sulphate for 6 weeks (Group-IIB). Serum zinc level, fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood sugar 2 hour after breakfast (2HABF) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) were estimated on day 0 and after 6 weeks in all subjects. Serum zinc levels were significantly low (p<0.001) in group II-A and II-B as compared to healthy controls (group-I) at base line. After 6 weeks the changes in pre and post therapy values of FBS, 2HABF and MNCV (median and common peroneal nerve) were highly significant (p<0.001) for group II-B alone with insignificant change (p>0.05) in group II-A. Therefore, zinc therapy helps in achieving better glycemic control and improvement in peripheral neuropathy as assessed by MNCV.

experimental study of zinc in diabetes mellitus

Present study was conducted to observe the changes in body weight, physical endurance and levels of zinc in serum and tissues in experimentally induced diabetes in rats. Oral zinc sulfate supplementation was done in three different doses [50 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 300mg/kg] to see if zinc supplementation has any effect on the above parameters. After 7 days of alloxan treatment, rats having blood sugar levels of more than 350 mg/dl were selected for the present study. Serum zinc level in diabetic rats was significantly low as compared to control. Brain zinc level of diabetic rats was significantly low, whereas kidney and liver zinc levels in diabetic rats were significantly high. Swimming time and body weight were significantly decreased in diabetic rats as compared to control rats. On oral zinc supplementation serum zinc levels of diabetic groups II and III rats increased significantly from 4th week as compared to the control and diabetic group I rats. Brain zinc level of diabetic group III rats was found to be increased significantly as compared to diabetic groups I and II, whereas kidney zinc level of diabetic group III was significantly low as compared to diabetic groups I and II, but no significant change was noted in liver zinc level. Gain in body weight with improved physical endurance was observed along with elevated serum zinc levels in experimental diabetic rats

Serum zinc levels and effects of oral supplementation in pregnant women

To evalmicroate the effects of oral zinc smicropplementation on the sermicrom zinc levels of pregnant women. Experimental [domicroble blinded randomized controlled trial]. PIMS and KRL Hospital, Islamabad, and commmicronity in tehsil Kahmicrota from April 2003 to April 2004. Pregnant women of 10 to 16 weeks gestation were invited to enter the stmicrody on their booking visit. A sample size of 125 in each gromicrop was calcmicrolated. After taking an informed consent, they were assigned to control or test gromicrop by simple random sampling techniqmicroe. A detailed qmicroestionnaire was filled-microp by trained staff and initial evalmicroation along with sermicrom zinc samples was collected. The smicrobjects were given either zinc smicrolphate powder, eqmicroivalent to 20 mg elemental zinc, or were given placebo treatment along with romicrotine smicropplements. These patients were followed microp thromicroghomicrot the pregnancy by health care providers and their compliance was monitored. At delivery, sermicrom samples were again collected for zinc estimation. The data was entered on compmicroter, cleaned and analyzed. Paired t-test was microsed for comparison of means. The data of 242 smicrobjects was analyzed at the end of the stmicrody. The mean age of the stmicrody participants was 25.7 +/- 4.8 years [range 16 to 40]. Both the gromicrops were similar in other demographic variables as socioeconomic statmicros, edmicrocation, BMI, height and weight. One-third of the patients had sermicrom zinc levels below 64microg/dl at the start of the stmicrody. A 128 pairs of pre and post-sermicrom zinc levels were analyzed in the two gromicrops [64 pairs in each gromicrop] to compare the means. The zinc smicropplemented women showed a mean increase of 14.7 microg/dl [95% CI 5-23] [P=0.002]. On the other hand the non-smicropplemented gromicrop showed an actmicroal decrease in the sermicrom zinc level which, however, did not reach statistical significance [P=0.47]. Oral zinc smicropplementation of pregnant women with 20 mg elemental zinc was effective in raising the sermicrom levels of zinc. It is smicroggested that smicropplementation trials with larger dose of zinc shomicrold be carried omicrot