Zinc-induced suppression of inflammation in the respiratory tract, caused by infection with human rhinovirus and other irritants.
Free ionic zinc (Zn2+) in saliva shortens duration and severity of common cold (CC) symptoms. It is proposed that Zn2+ complexes with proteins of critical nerve endings and surface proteins of human rhinovirus (HRV) (a) interrupt nerve impulses and (b) block docking of HRV on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on somatic cells, thereby interrupting HRV infection. Since leukocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) binds leukocytes to cells through ICAM-1, initiating inflammation, Zn2+ is expected to block LFA-1/ICAM-1 binding and thereby suppress inflammation. This could explain reduction of inflammation experienced by persons taking zinc gluconate/glycine (ZGG) lozenges for CC. Allergic rhinitis (AR) and CC share many common symptoms, and ZGG also mitigates AR symptoms. Focal irritation, increased ICAM-1 expression, and recruitment of leukocytes to epithelial foci are the common elements. Zinc ions may be an important anti-inflammatory factor because they can block docking of both HRV and LFA-1 with ICAM-1.
Novick
S G
SG
Department of Chemistry, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA. chmsgn@vaxb.hofstra.edu
Godfrey
J C
JC
Pollack
R L
RL
Wilder
H R
HR
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003139:Common Cold / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012229:Rhinovirus; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D015032:Zinc / Q000032:analysis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017967:Zinc Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D017967:Zinc Compounds; D015032:Zinc