The role of trace elements on hepatitis virus infections: a review

J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011 Jul;25(3):181-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2011.07.001. Epub 2011 Aug 30.

Abstract

The significance of the nutritional roles of trace metals (includes some heavy metals) is widely recognized, since these elements are as constituent components of many metal proteins and metalloenzymes serum trace metals levels, and their ratios are frequently reported to be good marker for diagnosing various diseases. Trace metals play an important role in liver disease particularly liver degeneration. Influence of trace elements has been studied in a large number of viruses belonging to different groups. This review reported the role of some trace elements iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) as well as toxic elements Pb on hepatitis virus infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Hepatitis / virology*
  • Hepatitis Viruses / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Trace Elements / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Trace Elements