Overview
This lecture reviews the properties, mechanisms, and clinical benefits of Zinc-L-carnosine (ZnC) in treating oral mucositis, taste disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, pressure ulcers, and liver conditions, highlighting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Introduction to Zinc-L-Carnosine (ZnC)
- ZnC (polaprezinc) is a chelated compound combining zinc and L-carnosine.
- Zinc is essential for tissue repair and found in various foods.
- L-carnosine acts as a buffer and antioxidant, aiding wound healing.
- ZnC may have superior benefits by improving zinc absorption and delivering it more effectively to tissues.
- Approved in the US as a dietary supplement and in Japan for gastric ulcers.
Mechanisms of Action
- ZnC reduces inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibiting NF-kB and boosting antioxidant enzymes.
- It increases growth factors that promote tissue repair.
- Enhances heat shock protein production, providing cellular protection.
- Stimulates cell migration and proliferation, supporting early and late wound healing stages.
Oral Mucositis and Esophagitis
- Oral mucositis is a frequent, painful complication of cancer therapy.
- ZnC oral rinses and suspensions significantly reduce severity and incidence of mucositis and esophagitis in patients undergoing chemo/radiotherapy.
- ZnC reduces pain, analgesic use, and hospital stay durations.
Taste Disorders
- Taste disorders are common in cancer patients and can reduce nutritional intake.
- Supplementation with ZnC improves taste function, even in non-cancer patients.
- Higher doses of ZnC yield greater improvement; benefits are seen regardless of baseline zinc levels.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
- ZnC accelerates healing of gastric ulcers, outperforming some mucosal protection agents.
- Reduces GI mucosal injury from drugs like NSAIDs by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
- ZnC as adjunct to H. pylori eradication improves outcomes and is safe.
Pressure Ulcers
- ZnC supplementation promotes the healing of pressure ulcers in clinical trials.
- Both carnosine and ZnC improve healing rates compared to controls.
Liver Health
- ZnC supplementation aids in reducing liver inflammation and oxidative stress in chronic hepatitis C and liver disease patients.
- ZnC increases serum zinc, decreases liver enzymes and ferritin, and offers cytoprotective effects.
Safety
- Usual ZnC doses do not significantly risk copper deficiency.
- ZnC has a strong safety profile with minimal adverse events reported in human studies.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Zinc-L-carnosine (ZnC) — A compound of zinc and L-carnosine with healing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Oral mucositis — Inflammation and ulceration of the mouth lining, often caused by cancer treatment.
- NF-kB — A protein complex that controls inflammation and immune responses.
- Heat shock proteins — Proteins that help protect cells from stress or damage.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review mechanisms of ZnC and its role in tissue repair.
- Understand clinical evidence supporting ZnC’s use for oral mucositis, GI disorders, and pressure ulcers.
- Prepare for exam questions on ZnC’s mechanism, clinical uses, and safety profile.