Molecular mechanisms of zinc in alleviating obesity: Recent updates (Review)

Abstract

Obesity has become a global health concern, and the number of individuals with obesity continues to increase significantly worldwide. Obesity increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, resulting in increases morbidity and mortality rates in humans. Zinc (chemical symbol, Zn) has been found to be associated with obesity. Zinc participates in several physiological processes, having been shown to play roles in energy balance, lipid metabolism, appetite regulation, insulin resistance, the regulation of the serum leptin concentration, as well as in inflammatory responses. However, in terms of alleviating obesity, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of zinc in this process remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of what is currently known regarding the molecular mechanisms of zinc supplementation in alleviating obesity, with a focus on lipid metabolism, appetite regulation, insulin signalling and the inflammatory response.