Zinc nutritional status influences ZnT1 and ZIP4 gene expression in children with a high risk of zinc deficiency

Author(s)

Reis, Bruna Zavarize ^[1] ; dos Santos Vieira, Diva Aliete ^[2] ; Maynard, Dayanne da Costa ^[3] ; da Silva, Danielle Goes ^[3] ; Mendes-Netto, Raquel Simoes ^[3] ; Franciscato Cozzolino, Silvia Maria ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Food & Expt Nutr, Postgrad Program Appl Human Nutr PRONUT, Av Prof Lineu Prestes 580, Bloco 14, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sergipe, Dept Nutr, Av Univ Marcelo Deda Chagas 13, BR-49400000 Lagarto, SE - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sergipe, Dept Nutr, Av Marechal Rondon S-N Jardim Rosa Elze, BR-49100000 Sao Cristovao, SE - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY; v. 61, SEP 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Introduction: Subclinical deficiency of zinc is associated with impairment of immune system function, growth, and cognitive development in children. Although plasma zinc is the best available biomarker of the risk of zinc deficiency in populations, its sensitivity for early detection of deficiency is limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate zinc deficiency among preschool children and its relationship with whole blood gene expression of zinc transporters ZIP4 and ZnT1. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study included 139 children aged 32-76 months enrolled in philanthropic day-care centers. We performed an anthropometric evaluation, weighed food record and dietary record for dietary assessment, blood sample collection for zinc, and whole blood gene expression analyses of ZnT1 (SLC30A1) and ZIP4 (SLC39A4). Results: Zinc deficiency was observed in 26.6 % of the children despite adequate zinc intake and a phytate:zinc molar ratio < 18. Usual zinc intake did not affect whole blood gene expression of zinc transporters, but zinc status influenced ZnT1 and ZIP4 whole blood mRNA. Children with zinc deficiency exhibited 37.1 % higher ZnT1 expression and 45.3 % lower ZIP4 expression than children with adequate zinc (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Children with plasma zinc deficiency exhibited higher expression of ZnT1 and lower expression of ZIP4 in whole blood mRNA, reinforcing the existence of strong regulation of mineral homeostasis according to the nutritional status, indicating that this analysis may be useful in the evaluation of dietary interventions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/24762-4 - Determination of zinc status in preschool children and its relation to the zinc carriers genes expression
• Grantee: Silvia Maria Franciscato Cozzolino
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants