"Zinc, although present in a minute quantity in humans, is an essential nutrient with three major biological roles, as catalyst, structural, and regulatory ion. It plays an important role as a component of many enzymes regulating cell growth, protein synthesis, energy metabolism, gene transcription, hormone levels, and growth factor metabolism.
Zn affects growth hormone (GH) metabolism which is the key hormone for growth and development. Zn ion induces the dimerization of GH in the way that two Zn ions associate per dimer of GH in a cooperative fashion. Formation of a Zn_GH dimeric complex may be important for storage of GH in secretary granule.
Zinc is reported to influence hemostasis by affecting platelet aggregation and coagulation. Zn enhances thrombin activity of the common coagulation pathway, the acceleration of fibrin polymerisation, platelet activation and the initiation of the intrinsic pathway.
Zinc deficiency was a cause of growth retardation and delayed sexual development in men. Zn content of the prostate gland, the seminal fluid and ejaculated sperm are very high and testicular Zn is essential for spermatogenesis. Zn deficiency has also been reported to be a cause of hypogonadism.
(Ibrahim NL- Study of Serum Copper and Iron in Children with Chronic Liver Diseases).
Last date updated on September, 2024
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