Role of Zinc in Liver Pathology

Abstract

Liver diseases have a direct impact on zinc metabolism as it is involved in functions related to zinc homeostasis. Role of Zn in vital cellular processes like DNA synthesis, cell division and RNA transcription is irreplaceable. Therefore, Zn is crucial to the normal functioning of various organs, especially liver. It has been demonstrated that Zn intervention abrogates alcoholic liver diseases through processes like abatement of apoptotic hepatocyte death, reduction in proinflammatory cytokine and reduction of endotoxaemia. Nevertheless, Zn deficiency results in a number of health consequences including loss of appetite, changes in sense of smell and taste, reduction in drug expulsion ability and impairment of immune and cerebral functions. Mechanisms resulting in these health consequences and metabolic derangements due to Zn deficiency especially those involving liver health are being worked out. Some studies documenting the significance of Zn supplementation and its hepatoprotective role against alcohol-induced liver injury are available. This chapter therefore defines various metabolic anomalies caused due to Zn deficiency and also the beneficial ramifications of Zn supplementation during a variety of liver diseases.