title: Decreased serum and mucosa immunoglobulin A levels in vitamin Aand zinc-deficient mice.
abstract: Simultaneous zinc and vitamin A deficiency are common health problems in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin A- and zinc-deficient diet on immunoglobulin A (IgA) response. Six-week-old mice were assigned into two groups receiving a normal vitamin A and zinc or low vitamin A and zinc diet for five months. Serum and intestinal mucosa IgA levels were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The concentration of zinc in serum was determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Vitamin A measurement in serum was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography. Mice maintained on a low vitamin A and zinc diet showed significantly greater food intake but lower production of IgA both in serum and mucosa. A mucosa IgA level was significantly higher in both control and deficient groups than the serum IgA level. Results indicated that zinc and vitamin A deficiency is associated with a lower production of IgA. Micronutrient intervention strategies addressing IgA-related gastrointestinal infections are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Sorayya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kheirouri
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alizadeh
keywords: IgA; vitamin A; zinc