Zinc (Zn) is essential for growth and development of nearly all organisms and known co factor for over 300 enzymes. Dietary Zn deficiency affects 20% of the world’s population, and is considered a major health concern by the World’s Health Organization. The paucity of reliable Zn biomarkers, as well as a representative animal model in which to test them, has made the assessment of Zn deficiency difficult to both quantify and categorize. Furthermore, studies have shown plasma/serum Zn to be insensitive indicators of Zn status. The need to develop additional robust indicators of Zn status is prioritized by the World Health Organization.
1. The development of a novel zinc (Zn) status physiological biomarker system
Our team have identified, confirmed and implemented a novel physiological biomarker of Zn status pertaining to erythrocyte Δ6 desaturation. Desaturase enzymes have both a requirement for Zn and a relatively low binding constant, thus their activity is quite sensitive to early-stage Zn deficiency. The assay proved to be sensitive to Zn depletion over time demonstrating the assay’s robustness. The Zn biomarker was validated in several human efficacy study allowing the incumbent to establish a platform for reliable Zn status physiological assessment. This represents a significant step forward enabling more detailed studies of Zn nutrition. This biomarker is part of the Zn status index that is under development for more accurate determination of Zn nutrition. This emerging biomarker led to multiple collaborations with international universities and multiple presentations in international meetings.
2. The development of “Zn Status Index”.
The “Zn Status Index” is a quantifiable score indicating the severity of a dietary Zn deficiency. In generating this score, the Index makes use of three biological parameters:
A. Red blood cell Linoleic Acid: Dihomo–γ–linolenic Acid (LA:DGLA) ratio, a novel functional indicator of Zn physiological status and deficiency.
(Please click to learn more: 1, 2, 3)
To read more about the Whole blood Linoleic Acid: Dihomo–γ–linolenic Acid (LA:DGLA) ratio, please click the image
B. Fecal and gastrointestinal microbial ecology phenotyping of defined Zn deficiency stages using next generation sequencing
(Please click to learn more: 1 & 2)
To read more about the fecal and gastrointestinal microbial ecology phenotyping, please click the image
C. mRNA Gene Expression of Zinc dependent proteins
(Please click to learn more: 1, 2, 3, 4)