Correlation of Plasma Zinc with Neutralising Antioxidant Enzymes and Cellular Immune Responses in Healthy Nigerian Adults

Zinc correlates of innate cellular immune responses

Abstract

Background: Considerable information is available on the role of micronutrient Zinc in many aspects of immune function and protection of cell membranes from oxidative damage in diseased states. To our knowledge, there are no reports relating Zinc levels with different stages neutralizing antioxidant enzymes and cellular immune processes (leucocyte migration, engulfment and intracellular killing of phagocytosis) among healthy Nigerians. 

Methodology: In 50 healthy Nigerians, cellular phagocytic mechanism [percentage leucocyte migration (%LM) and intracellular killing (%NBT)] were determined by microscopy; inflammatory cytokines [Plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) and 8 (IL-8)] were determined using ELISA; respiratory burst indices [plasma catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxide (NO)] were determined by spectrophotometry. Zinc (Zn) was determined using AAS. Phagocytic indices, cytokines and respiratory burst indices were correlated with plasma Zn levels using Spearmans Correlation analysis at α_0.05.

Results: The result of the study shows that plasma IL-8 level was negatively correlated with Zn level while catalase was positively correlated with Zn level in healthy Nigerians.

Conclusion: Taken together, these findings suggest that immuno-potential effect of Zn may include production of protective antioxidant neutralizing enzyme (catalase) and reduction of IL-8 inflammatory cytokine.

Recommendation: These findings raise the possibility that Zn supplementation or Zn containing diets may be beneficial to individuals with intracellular infection or inflammatory diseases.