Zinc and Immune Function in Cervical Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Mocchegiani E, Ciavattini A, Santarelli L, Tibaldi A, Muzzioli M, Bonazzi P, Giacconi R, Fabris N, Garzetti G G
Primary Institution: Immunology Centre, Research Department, Institute National Research Centres on Aging (INRCA), Ancona, Italy
Hypothesis
Zinc and α2-macroglobulin influence thymic endocrine activity and immune efficiency in cervical carcinoma.
Conclusion
Zinc treatment may help restore immune efficiency in cervical cancer patients by addressing thymulin deficits.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients showed reduced active thymulin and decreased NK activity and IL-2 production.
- Increased soluble IL-2 receptor and augmented α2-macroglobulin were observed in circulation.
- Zinc levels were normal for age despite the cancer diagnosis.
- In vitro studies indicated that zinc increases IL-2 production from PBMCs of cancer patients.
Takeaway
This study found that zinc is important for the immune system in cervical cancer, and giving zinc might help patients' immune responses.
Methodology
Plasma samples from 22 cervical cancer patients were analyzed for various immune factors.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 35–60 years with locally advanced squamous cervical carcinoma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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