Effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and leptin levels,BMI, and body composition in hemodialysis patients

ProjectThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and leptin levels as well as on anthropometric status and some biochemical parameters in hemodialysis (HD) patients.ProcedureIn this randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial, sixty HD patients were randomly divided into groups to receive a daily supplement of 100 mg elemental Zn (supplemented group) or placebo (control group) for 60 days. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard calibrated instruments. Serum zinc and leptin levels were determined by atomic absorption and ELISA method respectively before and after intervention.ResultsZinc supplementation resulted in significant increase in the mean serum zinc level in the experimental group while changes observed in the placebo group were not significant. The mean serum leptin in women part of the experimental group was decreased significantly after supplementation. After adjusting for age, BMI, body fat (%), serum zinc and dietary Zn intake, a negative and significant association was observed between serum zinc and leptin levels in all subjects (β = −0.33, P = 0.03) as a result of Zn supplementation.ConclusionsMore studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms by which serum leptin level is influenced as a result of zinc supplementation in HD patients.     

The effects of zinc supplementation on metabolic profile and oxidative stress in overweight/obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundEvidence indicates the positive effects of zinc on insulin resistance and oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome or diabetes. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main hepatic manifestation of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The present study is the first clinical trial that evaluated the effects of zinc supplementation on metabolic and oxidative stress status in overweight/obese patients with NAFLD undergoing calorie- restriction diet. Methods: Fifty six overweight/obese patients with confirmed mild to moderate NAFLD using ultrasonography were randomly allocated to receive 30 mg elemental zinc supplement (n = 29) or placebo (n = 27) along with weight loss diet for 12 weeks. Serum levels of zinc, homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, serum superoxide dismutas1 (SOD1) and malondialdhyde (MDA) levels were assessed.ResultsSerum levels of insulin, SOD1, MDA and HOMA-IR were improved in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Within group comparison showed significant reduction in serum FBS, HbA_1C, TC, LDL-c and TG in the treatment group. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation for three months improved insulin resistance and oxidative stress status in overweight/obese NAFLD patients with no beneficial effects on lipid profiles over weight loss diet. Registration ID in IRCT (IRCT NO: 20181005041238N1).     

Effectiveness of eight-week zinc supplementation on vitamin D3 status and leptin levels in a population of postmenopausal women: a double-blind randomized trial

BackgroundThe menopausal period is characterized by hormonal imbalance related to the alteration of parameters involved in lipid metabolism. In addition, menopause increases the risk of deficiencies of key vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and zinc in such women. The present study investigates the influence of zinc supplementation on the status of vitamin D₃ and other lipid parameters in postmenopausal women.MethodsFifty-one healthy postmenopausal women aged 44–76 years from the province of Granada (Spain) were divided into two groups (placebo and zinc) of 25 and 26 women, respectively. The zinc group was supplemented with 50 mg/day of zinc for 8 weeks. Nutrient intake assessment was performed by means of a 24 -h reminder. Zinc was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Vitamin D was analyzed by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry. Leptin was determined by enzyme immunoassay.ResultsZinc supplementation improved the initial vitamin D₃ status of the postmenopausal population (p = 0.049). Plasma levels of 25−OH-D₃ increased significantly after Zn supplementation in women with lower age at menopause (p = 0.045). Both intake and plasma zinc levels were inversely correlated to serum leptin levels (p = 0.044 and p = 0.033, respectively), being significantly lower in lower age at menopause (p < 0.001).ConclusionZinc supplementation improved vitamin D₃ status and was associated to low leptin levels in the postmenopausal women of the study.     

脾氨肽辅助抗结核药物治疗肺结核的临床疗效观察

摘要 目的：观察脾氨肽辅助抗结核药物治疗肺结核的临床疗效。方法：随机数值表法将2016年6月～2021年6月本院收治的120例肺结核患者分为观察组、对照组。对照组予常规抗结核药物治疗,观察组予脾氨肽辅助抗结核药物治疗。评价两组肺部病灶变化情况、肺部空洞变化情况;检测两组治疗2、4、6个月时痰培养转阴率;检测两组治疗前后外周血T淋巴细胞亚群CD3⁺、CD4⁺及CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值。结果：观察组肺部病灶变化、肺部空洞变化疗效的总有效率分别为95.00%、93.33%,明显高于对照组的83.33%、80.00%（P＜0.05）。两组在治疗6个月时的痰培养转阴率无显著差异（P＞0.05）,但观察组在治疗2、4个月时的痰培养转阴率均显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）。两组治疗前及对照组治疗前后的CD3⁺、CD4⁺及CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值比较无明显差异（P＞0.05）,但观察组治疗后的CD3⁺、CD4⁺及CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值均显著高于本组治疗前及对照组治疗后（P＜0.05）。结论：脾氨肽辅助抗结核药物治疗肺结核有助于提升临床疗效,可能与提升患者的免疫功能水平有关,值得临床进一步研究。     

结核感染T细胞斑点试验联合血清ADA、SAA、CA125对活动性肺结核诊断及治疗转归的评估价值

摘要 目的：探讨结核感染T细胞斑点试验（T-SPOT.TB）联合血清腺苷脱氨酶（ADA）、淀粉样蛋白A（SAA）、糖类抗原125（CA125）对活动性肺结核（APTB）诊断及治疗转归的评估价值。方法：选取2021年10月至2022年10月湖南省胸科医院收治的137例APTB患者（APTB组）和80例非APTB患者（对照组）,所有APTB患者接受常规抗结核治疗,根据治疗后转归情况分为转归组（92例）和未转归组（45例）。治疗前进行T-SPOT.TB,并检测血清ADA、SAA、CA125水平。受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析T-SPOT.TB联合血清ADA、SAA、CA125诊断APTB和预测治疗转归的效能。结果：APTB组T-SPOT.TB阳性率,血清ADA、SAA、CA125水平高于对照组（P＜0.05）。未转归组T-SPOT.TB阳性率,血清ADA、SAA、CA125水平高于转归组（P＜0.05）。T-SPOT.TB联合血清ADA、SAA、CA125诊断APTB以及预测其治疗转归的曲线下面积（AUC）分别为0.917、0.833,高于单一指标。结论：APTB患者T-SPOT.TB阳性率增加,血清ADA、SAA、CA125水平增高,与抗结核治疗后转归不良有关,T-SPOT.TB联合血清ADA、SAA、CA125在APTB诊断和治疗转归评估中具有较高价值。     

耐多药肺结核患者的胸部CT征象分析及其治疗转归的影响因素探讨

摘要 目的：分析耐多药肺结核（MDR-PTB）患者的胸部计算机断层扫描（CT）征象,并探讨其治疗转归的影响因素。方法：选取2017年1月~2020年10月期间东莞市第六人民医院收治的MDR-PTB患者（n=138）作为观察组,另选取东莞市第六人民医院同期收治的非MDR-PTB患者110例作为对照组,对比两组的胸部CT征象。观察组患者接受标准化方案治疗,按照是否治疗成功将其分为成功组（n=78）和失败组（n=60）,根据病历资料获取患者的临床资料,采用单因素和多因素Logistic分析MDR-PTB患者治疗转归的影响因素。结果：病变分布范围中：观察组的2个肺叶及以下例数占比低于对照组,全部肺叶侵犯例数占比高于对照组（P<0.05）,两组3个肺叶例数占比组间对比无统计学差异（P>0.05）。病变形态中：两组的多发空洞、合并支扩、合并气胸、实变、多发播散结节、条索、合并毁损、胸膜增厚例数占比组间对比有统计学差异（P<0.05）。而两组胸腔积液、斑片例数占比组间对比无统计学差异（P>0.05）。单因素分析显示,MDR-PTB患者的治疗转归与存在药物不良反应、病变分布范围、既往使用二线抗结核药物史、治疗6个月后痰细菌学转阴、规律服药、初始痰涂片等级有关（P<0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,既往使用二线抗结核药物史、存在药物不良反应、初始痰涂片等级为++ ~++++是MDR-PTB患者治疗转归的危险因素,而规律服药、治疗6个月后痰细菌学转阴是其保护因素（P<0.05）。结论：MDR-PTB患者病变范围较广,肺叶受累数量多,且易出现肺实质损害。同时存在药物不良反应、规律服药、既往使用二线抗结核药物史、初始痰涂片等级、治疗6个月后痰细菌学转阴是MDR-PTB患者治疗转归的影响因素。     

肺结核患者血清IFN-γ、Il-1β和TNF-α水平的临床检测价值分析

目的:研究肺结核患者血清γ干扰素(IFN-γ)、白介素-1β(Il-1β)以及肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平的临床检测价值。方法:选择2015年1月～2018年12月在北京市顺义区医院治疗的25例肺结核患者作为肺结核组,并且选择同期在该院进行体检的25例健康人作为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测并且比较肺结核组以及对照组研究对象的血清IFN-γ、Il-1β和TNF-α水平,比较痰菌阴性组(n=14例)以及痰菌阳性组(n=11例)、无空洞组(n=15例)以及有空洞组(n=10例)的血清IFN-γ、Il-1β、TNF-α水平。结果:肺结核组患者的血清IFN-γ、Il-1β、TNF-α水平均明显高于对照组(P0.05);痰菌阳性组肺结核患者的血清IFN-γ、Il-1β、TNF-α水平均明显高于痰菌阴性组患者(P0.05);有空洞组肺结核患者的血清IFN-γ、Il-1β、TNF-α水平均明显高于无空洞组患者(P0.05)。结论:肺结核患者的血清IFN-γ、Il-1β和TNF-α水平明显高于健康者,有助于判断疾病进程,这些细胞因子可能在结核病的发病中发挥着重要的作用。     

The effect of zinc supplementation on brain derived neurotrophic factor: A meta-analysis

BackgroundZinc in one of the most abundant trace minerals in human body which is involved in numerous biological pathways and has variety of roles in the nervous system. It has been assumed that zinc exerts its role in nervous system through increasing brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations.ObjectivesPresent meta-analysis was aimed to review the effect of zinc supplementation on serum concentrations of BDNF.Methods and materialsFour electronic databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase) were searched for identifying studies that examined BDNF levels prior and after zinc supplementation up to May 2020. According to the Cochrane guideline, a meta-analysis was performed to pool the effect size estimate (Hedges’ test) of serum BDNF across studies. Risk of publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s test.ResultsFive studies were eligible and 238 participants were included. These studies enrolled subjects with premenstrual syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, major depression disorder, overweight/obese and obese with mild to moderate depressive disorders. Zinc supplementation failed to increase blood BDNF concentrations with effect size of 0.30 (95 % CI: -0.08, 0.67, P = 0.119). Funnel plot did not suggest publication bias.ConclusionZinc supplementation may not significantly increase BDNF levels. However, the small number of included articles and significant heterogeneity between them can increase the risk of a false negative result; therefore, the results should be interpreted with caution.     

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers and Adipokines in Young Obese Women

Obesity is a chronic inflammatory state characterized by altered adipokine production and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. The study explored the effect of zinc supplementation on inflammatory markers and adipocyte hormones in young obese women. Twenty five non-obese women and forty obese women (body mass index ≥25 kg/m²) aged 19–28 years were recruited for this study. Twenty obese women of the study group took 30 mg/day of supplemental zinc as zinc gluconate for 8 weeks and 20 obese women of control group took placebo. Usual dietary zinc intake was estimated from 3-day diet records. Serum zinc and urinary zinc concentration were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-6 and adipocyte hormones such as lepin and adiponectin were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Inflammatory markers and leptin were significantly higher, but adiponectin was significantly lower in obese women than non-obese women. Zinc supplementation increased serum zinc by 15 % and urinary zinc by 56 % (P?<?0.05). The levels of hs-CRP (P?=?0.03) and IL-6 (P?=?0.006) significantly decreased with zinc supplementation, but not in placebo group. Serum leptin and plasma adiponectin concentration did not differ with either zinc supplementation or placebo. The levels of IL-6 and leptin were inversely associated with dietary zinc intake. These results suggest that zinc may have a favorable effect on obesity-related inflammation in young adults.     

Zinc supplementation in children with cholera in Bangladesh: randomised controlled trial

Objective To investigate the impact of zinc supplementation in children with cholera.Design Double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial.Setting Dhaka Hospital, Bangladesh.Participants 179 children aged 3-14 years with watery diarrhoea and stool dark field examination positive for Vibrio cholerae and confirmed by stool culture.Intervention Children were randomised to receive 30 mg elemental zinc per day (n=90) or placebo (n=89) until recovery. All children received erythromycin suspension orally in a dose of 12.5 mg/kg every six hours for three days.Main outcome measures Duration of diarrhoea and stool output.Results 82 children in each group completed the study. More patients in the zinc group than in the control group recovered by two days (49% v 32%, P=0.032) and by three days (81% v 68%, P=0.03). Zinc supplemented patients had 12% shorter duration of diarrhoea than control patients (64.1 v 72.8 h, P=0.028) and 11% less stool output (1.6 v 1.8 kg/day, P=0.039).Conclusion Zinc supplementation significantly reduced the duration of diarrhoea and stool output in children with cholera. Children with cholera should be supplemented with zinc to reduce its duration and severity.Trial registration Clinical trials {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00226616","term_id":"NCT00226616"}}NCT00226616.     

Oral Zinc Supplementation May Improve Cognitive Function in Schoolchildren

Zinc is an important micronutrient for humans, and zinc deficiency among schoolchildren is deleterious to growth and development, immune competence, and cognitive function. However, the effect of zinc supplementation on cognitive function remains poorly understood. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of oral zinc supplementation (5 mg Zn/day for 3 months) on the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ), and Performance Intelligence Quotient (PIQ) using a Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III). We studied 36 schoolchildren aged 6 to 9 years (7.8?±?1.1) using a nonprobability sampling method. The baseline serum zinc concentrations increased significantly after zinc supplementation (p?<?0.0001), with no difference between sexes. Tests were administered under basal conditions before and after zinc supplementation, and there was no difference in FSIQ according to gender or age. The results demonstrated that zinc improved the VIQ only in the Information Subtest (p?=?0.009), although the supplementation effects were more significant in relation to the PIQ, as these scores improved for the Picture Completion, Picture Arrangement, Block Design, and Object Assembly Subtests (p?=?0.0001, for all subtests). In conclusion, zinc supplementation improved specific cognitive abilities, thereby positively influencing the academic performance of schoolchildren, even those without marginal zinc deficiency.     

The relationship between beta cell activation and SLC30A8/ZnT8 levels of the endocrine pancreas and maternal zinc deficiency in rats

ObjectivesZinc, which is found in high concentrations in the β-cells of the pancreas, is also a critical component for the endocrine functions of the pancreas. SLC30A8/ZnT8 is the carrier protein responsible for the transport of zinc from the cytoplasm to the insulin granules. The aim of this study was to investigate how dietary zinc status affects pancreatic beta cell activation and ZnT8 levels in infant male rats born to zinc-deficient mothers.MethodsThe study was performed on male pups born to mothers fed a zinc-deficient diet. A total of 40 male rats were divided into 4 equal groups. Group 1: In addition to maternal zinc deficiency, this group was fed a zinc-deficient diet. Group 2: In addition to maternal zinc deficiency, this group was fed a standard diet. Group 3: In addition to maternal zinc deficiency, this group was fed a standard diet and received additional zinc supplementation. Group 4: Control group. Pancreas ZnT8 levels were determined by ELISA method and insulin-positive cell ratios in β-cells by immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe highest pancreatic ZnT8 levels and anti-insulin positive cell ratios in the current study were obtained in Group 3 and Group 4. In our study, the lowest pancreatic ZnT8 levels were obtained in Group 1 and Group 2, and the lowest pancreatic anti-insulin positive cell ratios were obtained in Group 1.ConclusionThe results of the present study; in rats fed a zinc-deficient diet after maternal zinc deficiency has been established shows that ZnT8 levels and anti-insulin positive cell ratios in pancreatic tissue, which is significantly suppressed, reach control values with intraperitoneal zinc supplementation.     

Zinc effects on hyperglycemia and hypoleptinemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Zinc has an antihyperglycemic effect. Zinc can also influence the production of leptin, a satiety factor that reduces appetite and blood sugar level. In this study, we investigated the effect of zinc supplementation on food intake and circulating leptin and glucose concentrations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Male diabetic mice received zinc supplementation (20 ppm) from drinking water for two weeks. The results showed that zinc treatment did not affect body weight gain, body fat content or food intake in these diabetic mice. However, zinc supplementation markedly ameliorated the hyperglycemia of diabetic mice. After zinc treatment, serum leptin concentrations tended to increase in the diabetic mice. This study suggests that zinc is a mediator of leptin production.     

The effect of iron and/or zinc diet supplementation and termination of this practice on the antioxidant status of the reproductive tissues and sperm viability in rats

AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of iron or/and zinc supplementation and termination of this treatment on the antioxidant defence of the male reproductive system and sperm viability in rats.MethodsThe study consisted of 3 stages: I) 4-week adaptation to the diets (C-control or D-iron deficient); II) 4-week iron and/or zinc supplementation (10-times more than in the C diet of iron: CSFe, DSFe; zinc: CSZn, DSZn; or iron and zinc: CSFeZn, DSFeZn; and III) 2-week post-supplementation period (the same diets as during stage I). Parameters of antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity and SOD, GPx, and CAT activiy), oxidative damage (lipid and protein peroxidation), and sperm viability were measured.ResultsSimultaneous iron and zinc supplementation compared to iron supplementation (CSFeZn vs CSFe) increased SOD activity in the testes and decreased the level of malondialdehyde in the epididymis after stage II, and increased the percentage of live sperm after stage III. After discontinuation of the iron and zinc supplementation and a return to the control diet, the following was observed a decrease of SOD activity in the testes and GPx activity in the epididymis, and a increase malondialdehyde concentration in prostates. After stage III, in DSFeZn vs DSFe rats, an increase of SOD and CAT activity in the epididymis was found.ConclusionZinc supplementation simultaneous with iron may protect the male reproductive system against oxidative damage induced by high doses of iron and may have a beneficial effect on sperm viability. The effect of this supplementation was observed even two weeks after the termination of the intervention.     

The effect of hemodialysis,peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation on nutritional status and serum micronutrient levels in patients with end-stage renal disease; Multicenter, 6-month period,longitudinal study

PurposeNutritional status and micronutrient levels of end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients may vary depending on the mode of renal replacement therapy (RRT). We aimed to compare the effects of hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis (PD) and renal transplantation (RT) on micronutrient levels and nutritional status in ESRD patients.Patients and MethodsA total of 77 ESRD patients who had not received RRT were included in this prospective longitudinal study. All ESRD patients underwent a blood serum analysis that assessed the micronutrients such as selenium, copper, zinc, chromium, retinol, thiamine and vitamin B6 as well as a nutritional status assessment. After the baseline assessments and the initiation of RRT was accomplished, all patients were followed for 6 months.ResultsThe study showed significant improvements in subjective global assessment scores (percentage increases in score A were 26.6 and 36.6; p = 0.039 and p = 0.001; respectively), mid-arm circumference and the skin-fold thicknesses (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively) in the RT and hemodialysis groups. The examinations at sixth month revealed a significant increase in body weight (4.8 kg; p = 0.002) and albumin levels (0.6 g/dL; p < 0.001) in only RT group. Zinc, thiamin and vitamin B6 were the most deficient micronutrients (44.1 %, 24.7 % and 35.1 %; respectively) in ESRD patients. There was a significant increase in selenium and retinol levels (p = 0.020 and p < 0.001; respectively) but a significant decrease in thiamin levels (p = 0.041) in RT patients. A significant increase in retinol levels (p = 0.028) and a significant decrease in thiamin levels (p = 0.022) was observed in the hemodialysis patients. However, no significant change in micronutrient levels was observed in the PD patients.ConclusionThe results support the recommendation that ESRD patients should be supplemented with water-soluble vitamins, especially thiamine and vitamin B6, and trace elements, especially zinc. RT appears to be superior to other modes of RRT when examining SGA score, anthropometric measurements, albumin and micronutrient levels.     

Zinc supplementation increases the level of serum insulin-like growth factor-I but does not promote growth in infants with nonorganic failure to thrive

We investigated in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study the effects of zinc supplementation (2 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks on growth, serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) on 3- to 9-month-old infants with nonorganic failure to thrive (NOFTT). 25 infants completed the study, 14 received zinc supplementation (group A), and 11 received placebo (group B). The control group for baseline measurements was composed of 10 age-matched normal growing infants. There were no significant changes in weight for age, length for age, or weight for length during the entire study period in either group A or B. Serum IGF-I levels at baseline were similar in all the groups. After 12 weeks of therapy, serum IFG-I levels increased significantly only in the zinc-supplemented group, from 40.3 +/- 7 ng/ml at baseline to 65 +/- 8 ng/ml (p < 0.05). There was a marked difference in serum IGF-I levels between the zinc-supplemented group and the placebo group after 12 weeks: 65 +/- 8 vs. 49.4 +/- 5 ng/ml (p = 0.058, 95% CI of difference 9.88-21.31). No change was demonstrated in serum IGFBP-3 levels in either study group. We conclude that although zinc supplementation increased serum IGF-I levels, it did not improve the growth parameters of infants with NOFTT.     

Effect of zinc supplementation on serum leptin levels and insulin resistance of obese women

Leptin is thought to be a lipostatic signal that contributes to body weight regulation. Zinc might play an important role in appetite regulation and its administration stimulates leptin production. However, there are few reports in the literature on its role on leptin levels in the obese population. The present work assesses the effect of zinc supplementation on serum leptin levels in insulin resistance (IR). A prospective double-blind, randomized, clinical, placebo-controlled study was conducted. Fifty-six normal glucose-tolerant obese women (age: 25-45 yr, body mass index [BMI] = 36.2 +/- 2.3 kg/m2) were randomized for treatment with 30 mg zinc daily for 4 wk. Baseline values of both groups were similar for age, BMI, caloric intake, insulin concentration, insulin resistance, and zinc concentration in diet, plasma, urine, and erythrocytes. Insulin and leptin were measured by radioimmunoassay and IR was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). The determinations of zinc in plasma, erythrocytes, and 24- h urine were performed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. After 4 wk, BMI, fasting glucose, and zinc concentration in plasma and erythrocyte did not change in either group, although zinc concentration in the urine increased from 385.9 +/- 259.3 to 470.2 +/- 241.2 +/- microg/24 h in the group with zinc supplementation (p < 0.05). Insulin did not change in the placebo group, whereas there was a significant decrease of this hormone in the supplemented group. HOMA also decreased from 5.8 +/- 2.6 to 4.3 +/- 1.7 (p < 0.05) in the zinc-supplemented group but did not change in the placebo group. Leptin did not change in the placebo group. In the zinc group, leptin was 23.6 +/- 12.3 microg/L and did not change. More human data from a unique population of obese individuals with documented insulin resistance would be useful in guiding future studies on zinc supplementation (with higher doses or longer intervals) or different measures.     

Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Physical Growth in 2–5-Year-Old Children

Physical growth disorders in under 5-year-old children are a common health problem in many countries including Iran. The aim of this study was to determine effects of supplemental zinc on physical growth in preschool children with retarded linear growth. This study was a community-based randomized controlled trial on 2–5-year-old children with height-for-age below 25th percentile of National Center for Health Statistics growth chart. Ninety children were randomly assigned in zinc group (ZG) or placebo group (PG). After 6 months of zinc or placebo supplementation, we followed up the children for another 6 months. Anthropometric indicators were measured before the intervention and then monthly for 11 months. Forty children in ZG and 45 in PG concluded the study. Zinc supplementation increased weight gain in boys (P = 0.04) and girls (P = 0.05) compared to placebo but had no significant effect on mid-upper arm circumference increment in either sexes. The most significant (P = 0.001) effect of Zinc supplementation was seen in boys’ height increment at the end of follow-up period. Stunted growth rate in ZG changed significantly (P = 0.01) from 26.7% to 2.5% throughout the study. This study showed that daily supplementation of 5 mg elemental zinc for 6 months improves physical growth in terms of height increment and weight gain in children with undesirable linear growth, especially in boys.     

Immunogenicity of an oral rotavirus vaccine administered with prenatal nutritional support in Niger: A cluster randomized clinical trial

BackgroundNutritional status may play a role in infant immune development. To identify potential boosters of immunogenicity in low-income countries where oral vaccine efficacy is low, we tested the effect of prenatal nutritional supplementation on immune response to 3 doses of a live oral rotavirus vaccine.Methods and findingsWe nested a cluster randomized trial within a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized efficacy trial to assess the effect of 3 prenatal nutritional supplements (lipid-based nutrient supplement [LNS], multiple micronutrient supplement [MMS], or iron–folic acid [IFA]) on infant immune response (n = 53 villages and 1,525 infants with valid serology results: 794 in the vaccine group and 731 in the placebo group). From September 2015 to February 2017, participating women received prenatal nutrient supplement during pregnancy. Eligible infants were then randomized to receive 3 doses of an oral rotavirus vaccine or placebo at 6–8 weeks of age (mean age: 6.3 weeks, 50% female). Infant sera (pre-Dose 1 and 28 days post-Dose 3) were analyzed for anti-rotavirus immunoglobulin A (IgA) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The primary immunogenicity end point, seroconversion defined as ≥3-fold increase in IgA, was compared in vaccinated infants among the 3 supplement groups and between vaccine/placebo groups using mixed model analysis of variance procedures. Seroconversion did not differ by supplementation group (41.1% (94/229) with LNS vs. 39.1% (102/261) with multiple micronutrients (MMN) vs. 38.8% (118/304) with IFA, p = 0.91). Overall, 39.6% (n = 314/794) of infants who received vaccine seroconverted, compared to 29.0% (n = 212/731) of infants who received placebo (relative risk [RR]: 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18, 1.57, p < 0.001). This study was conducted in a high rotavirus transmission setting. Study limitations include the absence of an immune correlate of protection for rotavirus vaccines, with the implications of using serum anti-rotavirus IgA for the assessment of immunogenicity and efficacy in low-income countries unclear.ConclusionsThis study showed no effect of the type of prenatal nutrient supplementation on immune response in this setting. Immune response varied depending on previous exposure to rotavirus, suggesting that alternative delivery modalities and schedules may be considered to improve vaccine performance in high transmission settings.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02145000","term_id":"NCT02145000"}}NCT02145000.

Sheila Isanaka and co-workers study nutrient supplementation and infants’ immune responses to rotavirus vaccination.     

血清维生素D及微量元素检测对肺炎患儿的临床意义

目的:探讨肺炎患儿血清维生素D及微量元素监测的临床意义。方法:选取我院2015年1月-2016年1月收治的600例肺炎患儿为观察组及同期来我院体检的健康儿童400例为对照组,检测两组受试儿童的维生素D、铁、锌、钙、铜、镁水平。结果:观察组患儿锌、铁缺乏比例均明显高于健康儿童(P0.05),两组钙、铜、镁缺乏比例相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组1岁以下(包括1岁,婴儿期)、1-3岁(包括3岁,幼儿期)、3-6岁(包括6岁,学龄前)患儿体内锌、铁含量明显低于同年龄段健康儿童(P0.05),各组钙、铜、镁含量相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。两组受试儿童体内25-羟基维生素D含量及其缺乏情况相比差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:锌和铁缺乏可能与儿童肺炎的发生发展具有一定的关系,及时补充锌和铁有助于提高患儿免疫力,促进患儿恢复。