The paper titled “Role of Zinc in Immune System and Anti-Cancer Defense Mechanisms” was published in 2019 in the journal Nutrients (Vol. 11, No. 10, pp. 1-28) and has been cited as many as 205 times! Dorota Skrajnowska, MA, is the first author of this article, while the co-author is Prof. Barbara Bobrowska-Korczak also from the Department of Toxicology and Bromatology of the Faculty of Pharmacy MUW.
What the awarded work is about
The paper “Role of Zinc in Immune System and Anti-Cancer Defense Mechanisms” presents selected topics on current knowledge of anti-cancer mechanisms involving this element.
- The human body does not store zinc reserves, so zinc deficiency can occur relatively quickly, such as through improper diet, insufficient absorption or certain diseases. Large zinc deficits are rare, but mild deficiencies are common - says Dorota Skrajnowska, MA.
The researcher also notes that a number of epidemiological studies have shown a link between reduced dietary zinc and cancer risk.
- Zinc's anticancer effects are most often linked to its antioxidant properties. However, this is only one of many possibilities - the winner of “Złota Kukułka” emphasizes. - The effects of zinc on the immune system, transcription factors, cell differentiation and proliferation, DNA and RNA synthesis and repair, activation or inhibition of enzymes, regulation of cell signaling and stabilization of cell membrane structure should also be considered.
It is believed that about 30 percent of the world's population suffers from an inadequate supply of zinc. However, as the author of the award-winning paper stresses, dietary supplementation with zinc preparations should be preceded by a diagnosed deficiency and medical consultation, as there may be side effects associated with its intake and numerous interactions with certain drugs and dietary components.
About "Złota Kukułka" Award
The “Złota Kukułka” award is awarded through a competition. Papers affiliated with the university that have been cited at least 50 times (excluding self-citations) in the 5 years preceding the application may be submitted for the award. The prototype of the statuette was made by sculptor Jarosław Madej. Due to the type of bronze used, the statuette has a golden color.