Mechanisms of action of zinc in acute diarrhea : Current Opinion in Gastroenterology

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Gastrointestinal infections: Edited by Mitchell B. Cohen

Mechanisms of action of zinc in acute diarrhea

Berni Canani, Robertoa,b; Buccigrossi, Vittoriaa; Passariello, Annalisaa,c

Author Information

aDepartment of Pediatrics

bEuropean Laboratory for the Investigation of Food Induced Diseases, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Italy

cNeonatal Intensive Care Unit, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy

Correspondence to Roberto Berni Canani, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food Induced Diseases, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy Tel: +39 081 7462680; fax: +39 081 7462680; e-mail: [email protected]

Current Opinion in Gastroenterology 27(1):p 8-12, January 2011. | DOI: 10.1097/MOG.0b013e32833fd48a

Abstract

Purpose of review 

For over a decade, the importance of zinc in the treatment of acute diarrhea has been recognized. More recently, the mechanisms of action of zinc are becoming clearer. This review is focused on the new evidence on the mechanisms of action of zinc in acute diarrhea.

Recent findings 

The vast majority of data derive from in-vitro studies using intestinal cell lines or from animal model. The positive action by zinc in acute diarrhea derives from a regulation of intestinal fluid transport, mucosal integrity, immunity, gene expression, and oxidative stress. A complex homeostatic network is also able to regulate zinc status at cellular and extracellular level.

Summary 

All these data support the use of zinc in the treatment of acute diarrhea, but further clinical studies are needed to explore the selective effects of zinc against specific pathogens responsible for diarrhea.

© 2011 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

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