A new insight into pathophysiological mechanisms of zinc in diarrhea.
An increasing amount of data showing the beneficial use of zinc (Zn) in treating diarrhea continues to emerge from epidemiological and clinical trials. However, without a thorough understanding of physiological mechanisms of Zn, it does not support policy recommendation to advocate the therapeutic use of Zn. Our data demonstrate that Zn is a potential antidiarrheal agent that provides substantial benefit by stimulating sodium absorption and inhibiting chloride secretion in intestinal epithelial cells. Thus, inclusion of Zn in oral rehydration solution (ORS) has the potential to markedly augment the effectiveness of ORS in the treatment of diarrhea.
Hoque
Kazi Mirajul
KM
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. kmh_niced@yahoo.co.in
Sarker
Rafiquel
R
Guggino
Sandra E
SE
Tse
Chung-Ming
CM
D000930:Antidiarrheals / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018938:Caco-2 Cells; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000378:metabolism; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D017923:Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers / Q000378:metabolism; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017967:Zinc Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000930:Antidiarrheals; D017923:Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers; D017967:Zinc Compounds; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D015032:Zinc