Zinc
Chemistry Term Paper
Dr. Joyce Sherpa
Mt. Hood Community College
By Julianne Sorensen

Zinc comes from the German word Zinc or spelter. Zinc is a metallic chemical element. The symbol for Zinc is Zn and its atomic number is 30.
There are a variety of zinc compounds that are commonly used, zinc carbonate, zinc gluconate (used as a dietary supplement), zinc chloride (used in deodorants), zinc pyrithione (anti-dandruff shampoos), zinc sulfide (in luminescent paints), and zinc methyl or zinc diethyl in the organic laboratory. (Wikipedia)
Zinc is of great importance to public health as an essential mineral. Zinc deficiency’s affect about two billion people worldwide and is associated with many diseases. Zinc deficiencies were first recognized in 1961, when diets with low zinc bioavailability due to high phytic acid content were associated with adolescent nutritional dwarfism. Children are affected the most by Zinc deficiencies and it is estimated Zinc deficiencies contribute to about 800,000 deaths per year. It causes growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, infection susceptibility, and diarrhea. (Wikipedia)
The role Zinc plays in growth and development, the immune response, neurological function, and reproduction are very important. Zinc’s function on a cellular level is divided into three sections; catalytic, structural and regulatory.

Catalytic Enzymes depend on zinc for their ability to catalyze vital chemical reactions. Zinc plays an important role in the structure and function of proteins and cell membranes. Many aspects of cell metabolism are dependent on Zinc.
Structural
Small protein structural motifs are called zinc fingers; they help to stabilize the protein structures. Cell membrane structure and functions are also dependent on Zinc. Loss of Zinc can increase the membranes susceptibility to damage caused by oxidation and can interfere with the cells ability to function properly.
Regulatory
The function of Zinc fingers is to regulate gene expression by binding DNA, RNA, proteins and small molecules, influencing the transcription of specific genes. They also play a role in cell signaling and have been linked to the release of hormones and nerve impulse transmissions. Scientists have also discovered an important link between Zinc and gene-directed cell death (apoptosis). (Higdon, Jane Ph.D.)
Zinc finger proteins are classified by fold groups based on the overall shape of the protein backbone. The most common of these are called the Cys2His2. This is where two ligands form a knuckle and two more form the c terminus of a helix.

“Cartoon representation of the Cys2His2 zinc finger motif, consisting of an α helix and an antiparallel β sheet. The zinc ion (green) is coordinated by two histidine residues and two cysteine residues.” (Zinc finger)
Zinc deficiency Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare inherited form of zinc deficiency. There was not much known about Zinc deficiency until the study of this disease. This disease is caused by the inability of Zinc to be absorbed by the intestinal cells. Symptoms are red and inflamed patches of dry and scaly skin, particularly around body openings such as the mouth, anus, and eyes, and the skin on elbows, knees, hands, and feet. These patches then turn into crusted, blistered, pus-filled and eroded lesions. Secondary infections can then occur. Other symptoms include slow growth and development, delayed sexual maturation, diarrhea, immune system deficiencies, impaired wound healing, diminished appetite, impaired taste sensation, night blindness, swelling and clouding of the cornea and behavioral disturbances. (Higdon, Jane Ph.D.)
Zinc Sources Animal sources rich in Zinc are Shellfish, beef, and other red meats. Plant sources include nuts and Legumes. The presence of certain amino acids that improve zinc absorption; cysteine and methionine; found in seafood, eggs and meat they help to increase the bio-availability of Zinc. (Higdon, Jane Ph.D.)
Zinc and Diabetes The link between Zinc deficiency and diabetes has been receiving more attention in the last few years. It is common for people with diabetes to have moderate zinc deficiency. Frequent urination, a common problem for people with diabetes, may account for the loss of zinc. Although Zinc supplementation reportedly improves immune function in diabetics it has also been shown to adversely affect the control of blood glucose. (Higdon, Jane Ph.D.)
The Journal of the American Chemical Society has recently published findings that establish a link between Zinc and the protein Amylin. In healthy people, Zinc acts as a type of guard, binding to the structure of Amylin, disrupting its production and prevents it from forming clumps and attacking the insulin producing cells. These harmful clumps are similar to those found in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and various other degenerative diseases. (Ross Flanigan)
Zinc and Breast Cancer Zinc levels in cells are controlled by protein molecules called zinc transporters. They control the movement of Zinc in and out of cells, and when something goes wrong with these transporters, regulatory functions, such as apoptosis is interrupted and cancer can result. Scientists now believe that understanding how Zinc is released through these transporters is the key to halting the growth of many aggressive cancers. They hope this understanding will enable them to block the malfunctioning transporter channels.

Zinc and the Common Cold Finding the “cure for the common cold” has always been joking mentioned or brought up as something that will never happen. I once heard it said that “you can’t put metal in a micro-wave” and “you can’t cure the common cold”. Well guess what, you can put metal in a micro-wave. I stood way back at work one day because I did not believe my boss when she told me yes, now you can. Not every micro-wave of course, just ones that are some special industrial type. You could put a metal container in and turn it on without any problem, until one day I put in a stick of butter to soften, it was wrapped in an aluminum foil type of wrapper and it sparked and popped a bunch. So maybe curing the common cold isn’t so much of a stretch. There have been many studies done on the role of zinc lozenges in treatment of the common cold. The US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health has reported on several studies. In 2004 it concluded “Clinical trial data support the value of zinc in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold when administered within 24 hours of the onset of common cold symptoms. Additional clinical and laboratory evaluations are warranted to further define the role of ionic zinc for the prevention and treatment of the common cold and to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms through which zinc exerts its symptom-relieving effects.” (Pharmacother, Ann)
The virus responsible for most the common colds is called the rhinovirus. Zinc lozenges are reported to block the virus’s ability to reproduce. While this may be the case, as of 2011 the Mayo clinic stops short of recommending the use of Zinc Lozenges as a treatment for the common cold. They cite further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness. They also warn of possible side effects such as a bad taste in the mouth and nausea. Overuse of Zinc nasal sprays can result in permanent loss of smell and just as with most any substance, Zinc in large doses is toxic. (Bauer)
The Linus Pauling Institute at the Oregon State University has also done several studies on the effectiveness of zinc in the treatment of the common cold. They report that while there is evidence to support the use of Zinc may play a role in reducing the duration and severity of the common cold, more research is needed. (Higdon, Jane Ph.D.)
Last but not least, I can report on my own findings using Zinc to help me thwart the common cold, and while I am no scientist and have never done any controlled studies, I have found Zinc lozenges to be a very beneficial aide when it comes to staying healthy when those around me are sick. I will take Zinc at the first sign of a cold, scratchy throat or runny nose. I have avoided getting sick many times. They will leave a rather unpleasant taste in your mouth and they can make you feel a little queasy, some people I know are not able to take them at all, but for me, they do seem to work.

Works Cited
Bauer, Brent A. Will taking zinc for colds make my colds go away faster? 24 May 2012. 6 June 2012 <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/zinc-for-colds/AN02148>.
Higdon, Jane Ph.D. Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. 14 March 2011. 6 June 2012 <http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/zinc/>.
Pharmacother, Ann. The role of zinc lozenges in treatment of the common cold. Jan 1998. 6 June 2012 <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9475824>.
Ross Flanigan, Nancy. Zinc safety net missing in diabetes. 12 July 2011. 6 June 2012 <http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/zinc-safety-net-missing-in-diabetes/>.
Rouse-Cardiff, Steven. Switching off zinc may stop breast cancer. 7 Febuary 2012. 6 June 2012 <http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/switching-off-zinc-may-stop-breast-cancer/#more-47947>.
Wikipedia. Zinc. 6 June 2012. 6 June 2012 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc>. Zinc gluconate. 15 April 2012. 15 June 2012 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_gluconate>.
Zinc finger. 4 June 2012. 6 June 2012 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_finger>.