Biomaterial Database

[Zinc--physiology and pathophysiology]. 1997

J Kohout, and V Senft

Klinika pracovního lékarství FN, Plzen.

The authors discuss the physiology and pathophysiology of zinc. They mention the main sources of exposure to zinc and its components. Zinc absorption in the digestive tract is regulated by cells of the intestinal mucosa, the main route of excretion is via faeces. Zinc is essential for the function of several enzymes, there are ample data on its participation in immune processes. The authors analyse the most commonly quoted causes of zinc deficiency and pathological conditions caused by acute exposure to zinc and its compounds. Chronic zinc intoxication was not described in human so far.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009751	Nutritional Requirements	The amounts of various substances in food needed by an organism to sustain healthy life.	Dietary Requirements,Nutrition Requirements,Dietary Requirement,Nutrition Requirement,Nutritional Requirement,Requirement, Dietary,Requirement, Nutrition,Requirement, Nutritional,Requirements, Dietary,Requirements, Nutrition,Requirements, Nutritional
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D015032	Zinc	A metallic element of atomic number 30 and atomic weight 65.38. It is a necessary trace element in the diet, forming an essential part of many enzymes, and playing an important role in protein synthesis and in cell division. Zinc deficiency is associated with ANEMIA, short stature, HYPOGONADISM, impaired WOUND HEALING, and geophagia. It is known by the symbol Zn.