Intracellular free zinc up-regulates IFN-γ and T-bet essential for Th1 differentiation in Con-A stimulated HUT-78 cells.

Zinc deficiency impairs cellular immunity. Up-regulation of mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IL-12Rβ2, and T-bet are essential for Th(1) differentiation. We hypothesized that zinc increases Th(1) differentiation via up-regulation of IFN-γ and T-bet expression.

Zinc decreases C-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory cytokines in elderly subjects: a potential implication of zinc as an atheroprotective agent.

Background: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are common risk factors for atherosclerosis. Zinc is an essential micronutrient that can function as an antiinflammatory and antioxidative agent, and as such, it may have atheroprotective properties.

Objective: We hypothesized that zinc down-regulates the production of atherosclerosis-related cytokines/molecules in humans.