[The role of zinc in the homeostasis of the human organism]

Abstract

The concentrations of essential metal ions in various compartments of the human body are accurately regulated (homeostasis). Irregularities in the accumulation or depletion of the trace elements may lead to well characterized diseases. This review covers the metabolism of zinc regulations by which the intracellular and extracellular levels are kept in physiological range, biological functions, as well as pathological states that develop in its altered metabolism. The focus is on the molecular mechanisms of zinc ion traffic between compartments of the body and cells and their sequestration, gene regulations that regulate the ion fluxes via biological membranes and their storage, zinc-mediated cell and tissue damages, and development of symptoms in zinc deficiency is also discussed.