Abstract

RAMIREZ ESTEVA, Osmay Ediberto et al. Hepatic, pancreatic and alveolar repercussions of altered zinc and vitamin homeostasis in smoking and alcoholism. Rev Cubana Invest Bioméd [online]. 2015, vol.34, n.2, pp. 187-203. ISSN 1561-3011.

The purpose of the study was to explain the association between altered homeostasis of zinc and some vitamins and its hepatic, pancreatic and alveolar repercussions in smokers and drinkers. These individuals bring into their bodies the toxic action of ethanol and tobacco smoke. The data obtained show that high alcohol intake causes hypozincemia (less than 10 µmol/L), resulting in hepatic dysfunction, with insufficient vitamin A and folic acid absorption; hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction, with low vitamin C bioavailability; and repression of collagenase enzyme expression. Excessive alcohol consumption and the continual inhalation of tobacco smoke resulted in displacement of zinc homeostasis toward severe hypozincemia (less than 5 µmol/L), alveolar dysfunction with repression of interleukin-10 expression and low vitamin C serological levels. Common pathological events associated with inflammatory processes of the liver, pancreas and alveoli were the excessive production of reactive oxygen species and the manifestation of oxidative stress.

Keywords : zinc homeostasis; alcoholism; smoking; oxidative stress.

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