U01.01.076 Zinc

Function of Zinc

Zinc is a crucial mineral for the proper functioning of over 100 enzymes in the body. It plays an important role in various biochemical processes, particularly in protein synthesis, immune function, and DNA synthesis.

Zinc Fingers: Zinc is vital for the formation of “zinc fingers,” which are motifs in transcription factors that help in binding to DNA, facilitating gene expression.

Zinc Deficiency

Zinc deficiency can lead to a variety of clinical manifestations due to its essential role in numerous physiological processes.

Clinical Features of Zinc Deficiency:

Delayed wound healing
Suppressed immunity (increased susceptibility to infections)
Male hypogonadism (low testosterone levels)
Hair changes (loss of axillary, facial, and pubic hair)
Dysgeusia (distortion of taste)
Anosmia (loss of smell)

Associated Conditions:

Acrodermatitis enteropathica: A rare genetic disorder caused by a defect in intestinal zinc absorption, leading to severe zinc deficiency.
Alcoholic cirrhosis: Zinc deficiency may predispose individuals to the development of cirrhosis in chronic alcoholics.

Table: Zinc Deficiency Symptoms and Associated Conditions

Clinical Feature	Description
Delayed wound healing	Impaired tissue repair and regeneration
Suppressed immunity	Increased infections due to weakened immune system
Male hypogonadism	Reduced testosterone and impaired sexual function
Hair changes	Loss of axillary, facial, and pubic hair
Dysgeusia	Altered or diminished sense of taste
Anosmia	Loss of the sense of smell
Acrodermatitis enteropathica	Genetic disorder causing defective zinc absorption
Alcoholic cirrhosis	Increased risk of liver damage in chronic alcohol use

Points to Remember for USMLE Step 1:

Zinc is essential for the function of over 100 enzymes, especially in processes such as DNA synthesis and immune response.
Zinc deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms, including delayed wound healing, immune suppression, and reproductive issues in men.
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a key condition associated with zinc deficiency due to a genetic defect in intestinal absorption.
Zinc is also linked to a higher risk of alcoholic cirrhosis, particularly in those with chronic alcohol consumption.

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