Zinc Aspartate Induces IL-16 Secretion and Apoptosis in Human T Cells

T cell activation mediates immunity to pathogens. On the flipside, T cells are also involved in pathological immune responses during chronic autoimmune diseases. We recently reported that zinc aspartate, a registered drug with high bioavailability, dose-dependently inhibits T cell activation and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine production of stimulated human and mouse T cells. To understand the suppressive effect of zinc on T cell function, we here investigated the influence of zinc aspartate on human T cells focusing on the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, induction of apoptosis, and caspase 3/7 activity. To this end, we monitored either freshly stimulated or pre-activated human T cells in the presence of zinc aspartate from 40–140 µM over a period of 72 h. Under both experimental conditions, we observed a dose-dependent suppression of human T cell proliferation. While IL-1ra, latent TGF-β1, and IL-10 were dose-dependently reduced, we, unexpectedly, detected elevated levels of IL-16 upon zinc supplementation. In addition, the number of cells with active caspase 3/7 and, consecutively, the amount of cells undergoing apoptosis, steadily increased at zinc aspartate concentrations exceeding 100 µM. Taken together, our findings suggest that zinc aspartate impairs T cell fitness and might be beneficial for the treatment of T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.

High-pressure preference for reduced water content in porous zinc aspartate hydrates

The zinc aspartate (ZnAsp2) complex, a common dietary supplement, preferentially crystallizes as the dihydrate (ZnAsp2·2H2O) from aqueous solution. Under normal conditions the dihydrate easily transforms into the sesquihydrate (ZnAsp2·1.5H2O). The dihydrate crystal structure is triclinic, space group P 1, and the sesquihydrate is monoclinic, space group C2/c. However, their structures are closely related and similarly consist of zinc aspartate ribbons parallel to pores accommodating water molecules. These porous structures can breathe water molecules in and out depending on the temperature and air humidity. High pressure above 50 MPa favours the sesquihydrate, as shown by recrystallizations under pressure and compressibility measured by single-crystal X-ray diffraction up to 4 GPa. This preference is explained by the reduced volume of the sesquihydrate and water compressed separately, compared with the dihydrate. The sesquihydrate undergoes an isostructural phase transition when the voids collapse at 0.8 GPa, whereas no phase transitions occur in the dihydrate, because its pores are supported by increased water content.

The properties of lubricated friction pairs with diamond-like carbon coatings

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the properties of diamond-like carbon DLC coatings with ionic liquids and cutting fluid containing zinc aspartate used as lubricants. The DLC coatings (a–C:H) were deposited onto the 100Cr6 steel substrate by physical vapour deposition PVD. The surface morphology testing, cross section and chemical composition analyses of the DLC coatings were performed using the scanning electron microscope, equipped with an EDS microanalyzer. Surface geometry measurements prior to and after tribological tests were performed on a confocal microscope with interferometry. The tribological tests were carried out on an Anton Paar TRB3 tribometer under technically dry friction and lubricated conditions with an ionic liquid, trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide and 1–butyl– 3–methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide and cutting fluid with zinc aspartate. The results show that DLC coatings and ionic liquids can significantly reduce resistance to motion.

THE INFLUE NCE OF CUTTING FLUID CONTAINING ZINC ASPARTATE ON THE WEAR OF CUTTING TOOLS DURING TURNING

The paper presents the results of tests of the wear of cutting tools following the process of facing with lubrication with cutting fluids. The tests were carried out on a CNC lathe with the use of two cutting fluids: one based on mineral oil and the other containing zinc aspartate. After machining, the tool wear was measured using a stereoscopic inspection microscope. Observation of surface morphology and identification of elements was performed using a scanning electron microscope with a EDS analyser. Measurements of the geometric structure of the surface of turned elements were performed using an optical profilometer. The non-toxic coolant with zinc aspartate used in the tests resulted in the formation of surface layers enriched with zinc compounds, which directly translated into the improvement of technological quality of the workpiece.

PROPERTIES OF A TRIBOLOGICAL SYSTEM WITH A DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON COATING LUBRICATED WITH ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CUTTING FLUID

This article presents experimental results obtained for an a-C:H:Si coating deposited on a 100Cr6 steel disc in sliding contact with a 100Cr6 steel ball in the presence of zinc aspartate-based cutting fluid. The study involved scanning electron microscopic examinations, contact angle measurements, tribological tests, and surface texture analysis. The experimental data suggest that the tribological properties of the diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating are satisfactory and that the non-toxic cutting fluid is well-suited to replace conventional fuels, which are toxic.

Combined Treatment with Zinc Aspartate and Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IVIGs) Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are widely used in replacement therapy of primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders and in approved autoimmune indications. In addition, IVIG application is used off-label for treatment of other autoimmune diseases, e.g., multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory autoimmune disorder with a clear T cell-mediated immune pathogenesis. The trace element zinc is shown to play a regulatory role in the maintenance of immune functions. Changes of zinc homeostasis affect both the innate and the adaptive immune system. On one hand, therapeutic zinc supplementation can normalize impaired immune functions due to zinc deficiency. On the other hand, therapeutic zinc supplementation is under consideration as a possible option to treat T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of IVIG (Octagam®), zinc aspartate (Unizink®), and the combined application of both preparations in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS. Therapeutic intraperitoneal application of zinc aspartate significantly diminished clinical signs during the relapsing-remitting phase of EAE in SJL/J mice. In contrast, IVIG given in a therapeutic manner did not influence the course of EAE. Interestingly, the combined application of both, IVIG and zinc aspartate, significantly reduced the severity of the disease during the acute and the relapsing-remitting phase of the EAE. Our data suggest that the combination of IVIG and zinc aspartate may have beneficial effects in autoimmune diseases, like MS. Further studies should verify the benefit of a controlled immunosuppressive therapy with IVIG and zinc for such diseases.