From: Robert J. Bradbury (bradbury@aeiveos.com)
Date: Wed Apr 16 2003 - 02:17:31 MDT
On Wed, 16 Apr 2003, Karen Rand Smigrodzki wrote:
> This is another link to a patient oriented audience regarding zinc.
Just so list members understand the significance of zinc...
There is an entire class of proteins in the genome known as "zinc-finger
proteins". They require a zinc ion to bind between 2-4 cysteine
amino acids (an amino acid that contains sulfur) in order to form
the correct protein structure. These proteins in turn (after forming
the proper structure) bind to DNA to turn on (or sometimes perhaps off)
the production of other genes. Not enough sulfur/cysteine/zinc and
the proper structures cannot be formed and the genes, esp. those
in your immune system, that your body would like to change the
experession of in the presence of bacteria or viruses, cannot be
properly regulated for their best effect.
Regarding Christian's comments re: antibiotics vs. SARS.
I'm a little bit skeptical. According to the best reports I've read
the severe SARS conditions may be due to an over-reaction by the
immune system -- perhaps similar to sepsis. So any consumption
of antibiotics isn't going to help the SARS condition and may
serve to promote the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria --
something that is becoming an increasing problem.
Now of course, if it really turns out that the severe SARS conditions
are due to an immune system over-reaction then it might be a good
idea to remove sulfur/zinc from the system so the genetic program
may have more difficulty responding. Quite a paradox.
So my 2 cents would be that taking zinc supplements when one
is healthy or when one catches normal cold/flu is probably a
good idea but in the case of SARS (or sepsis) it remains a
very tricky question.
Robert
Side note: for those who don't know "sepsis" is an infection
where bacteria get into and spread through the bloodstream.
Its very hazardous and kills a relatively large number of
people every year -- in large part because the immune system
over-reacts to the situation. Drugs are under development
to deal with this but as yet, to the best of my knowledge,
they have shown marginal effectiveness.
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