Zinc and Oxidative Stress: Current Mechanisms
Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Piauí, Campus Minister Petrônio Portela, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil
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Academic Editors: Ananda S. Prasad and Bin Bao
Antioxidants 2017, 6(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox6020024
Received: 30 September 2016 / Revised: 15 March 2017 / Accepted: 23 March 2017 / Published: 29 March 2017
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress and Metals Metabolism)
Oxidative stress is a metabolic dysfunction that favors the oxidation of biomolecules, contributing to the oxidative damage of cells and tissues. This consequently contributes to the development of several chronic diseases. In particular, zinc is one of the most relevant minerals to human health, because of its antioxidant properties. This review aims to provide updated information about the mechanisms involved in the protective role of zinc against oxidative stress. Zinc acts as a co-factor for important enzymes involved in the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense system. In addition, zinc protects cells against oxidative damage, acts in the stabilization of membranes and inhibits the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH-Oxidase). Zinc also induces the synthesis of metallothioneins, which are proteins effective in reducing hydroxyl radicals and sequestering reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in stressful situations, such as in type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer. Literature provides strong evidence for the role of zinc in the protection against oxidative stress in several diseases.
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Keywords:
zinc; oxidative stress; mechanisms
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MDPI and ACS Style
Marreiro, D.D.N.; Cruz, K.J.C.; Morais, J.B.S.; Beserra, J.B.; Severo, J.S.; De Oliveira, A.R.S. Zinc and Oxidative Stress: Current Mechanisms. Antioxidants 2017, 6, 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox6020024
AMA Style
Marreiro DDN, Cruz KJC, Morais JBS, Beserra JB, Severo JS, De Oliveira ARS. Zinc and Oxidative Stress: Current Mechanisms. Antioxidants. 2017; 6(2):24. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox6020024
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarreiro, Dilina D.N., Kyria J.C. Cruz, Jennifer B.S. Morais, Jéssica B. Beserra, Juliana S. Severo, and Ana R.S. De Oliveira 2017. "Zinc and Oxidative Stress: Current Mechanisms" Antioxidants 6, no. 2: 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox6020024
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