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Roles of Zinc in the Pathophysiology of Acute Diarrhea

  • Intra-abdominal Infections, Hepatitis, and Gastroenteritis (DA Bobak, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Zinc has caught wide scientific attention for the conceptual promise it has to offer for prevention, control and treatment of acute diarrhea. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which zinc might contribute to the pathogenesis of acute diarrhea and the degree of success achieved in diarrhea control and treatment by zinc supplementation. Animal and in vitro studies have continued to fascinate the scientific fraternity and form a solid basis for the potential use of zinc supplementation against diarrhea. However, emerging evidence in terms of controlled studies in humans beckons a more complete understanding of the mechanistic basis for zinc supplementation. Current evidence indicates that studies specifically addressing the variability in response to zinc supplementation need to be undertaken to better comprehend these mechanisms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lata Medical Research Foundation, Nagpur, India

    Hemant Kulkarni, Manju Mamtani & Archana Patel

  2. Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 7620 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5301, USA

    Hemant Kulkarni

  3. Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Central Avenue, Nagpur, 440018, India

    Archana Patel

  4. 12023 Waterway Rdg, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA

    Hemant Kulkarni & Manju Mamtani

  5. 125, Raj Nagar, Opposite Tidke Vidyalay, Katol Road, Nagpur, 440013, India

    Archana Patel

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  1. Hemant Kulkarni
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Correspondence to Hemant Kulkarni.

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Kulkarni, H., Mamtani, M. & Patel, A. Roles of Zinc in the Pathophysiology of Acute Diarrhea. Curr Infect Dis Rep 14, 24–32 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-011-0222-8

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