The zinc-immunodeficiency relationship in old patients

Rom J Intern Med. 1993 Apr-Jun;31(2):123-30.

Abstract

The influence of oral zinc sulphate therapy on the humoral immunity was investigated by dosages of serum immunoglobulins (Ig) and of plasma zinc levels in 12 patients with a mean age of 70 years, in comparison with other 11 patients treated with placebo and with a control group of 50 apparently healthy subjects. The results of this double-blind study demonstrated the zinc effect on the immunoregulation, as the Ig levels, and particularly those of the IgG class, initially high, were lowered in a statistically significant proportion. It is assumed that further clinical trials with various zinc concentrations could bring more information on this trace element participation in the humoral immunoregulation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / blood
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / blood*
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / drug therapy
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sulfates / administration & dosage
  • Tablets
  • Zinc / blood
  • Zinc / deficiency*
  • Zinc Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Zinc Sulfate

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins
  • Sulfates
  • Tablets
  • Zinc Compounds
  • Zinc Sulfate
  • Zinc