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Zinc and Insulin Resistance: Biochemical and Molecular Aspects

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Abstract

Studies have shown the participation of minerals in mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Zinc, in particular, seems to play an important role in the secretion and action of this hormone. Therefore, the aim of this review is to understand the role of zinc in increasing insulin sensitivity. We conducted a search of articles published in the PubMed and ScienceDirect database selected from March 2016 to February 2018, using the keywords “zinc,” “insulin,” “insulin resistance,” “insulin sensitivity,” and “supplementation.” Following the eligibility criteria were selected 53 articles. The scientific evidences presented in this review show the importance of zinc and their carrier proteins in the synthesis and secretion of insulin, as well as in the signaling pathway of action of this hormone. Zinc deficiency is associated with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance; however, the effectiveness of the intervention with the zinc supplementation is still inconclusive.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Piauí, Ministro Petrônio Portella Campus, Ininga, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil

    Kyria Jayanne Clímaco Cruz, Ana Raquel Soares de Oliveira, Jennifer Beatriz Silva Morais, Juliana Soares Severo, Priscyla Maria Vieira Mendes, Stéfany Rodrigues de Sousa Melo & Dilina do Nascimento Marreiro

  2. Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil

    Gustavo Santos de Sousa

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  1. Kyria Jayanne Clímaco Cruz
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  2. Ana Raquel Soares de Oliveira
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  3. Jennifer Beatriz Silva Morais
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Correspondence to Dilina do Nascimento Marreiro.

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Cruz, K.J.C., de Oliveira, A.R.S., Morais, J.B.S. et al. Zinc and Insulin Resistance: Biochemical and Molecular Aspects. Biol Trace Elem Res 186, 407–412 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-018-1308-z

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