Synergistic Effect of Zinc and Vitamin A on T Cell Functions

Key words: 
• Vitamin A supplementation /
• Zinc supplementation /
• T cell /
• Immunity

Abstract: Objective To determine whether supplementation of zinc and vitamin A may improve the function of T cells in human PBMC. Methods T cells were separated and cultured in vitro, supplemented with either Zn or vitamin A alone, or both Zn and vitamin A (10-6 mol/L, 10-5 mol/L, 10-4 mol/L). After harvesting, cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, expression or function of cell-surface molecules, such as CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ were detected. Results Higher proliferation level and lower apoptosis level were observed in cells supplemented with both Zn and vitaminA, showing the strongest effect (P＜0.05).Zn-supplement increased the CD4+/CD3+ cell percentage, and simultaneously decreased the CD8+/CD3+ cell population.VA-supplement showed the opposite effect in comparison with Zn-supplement. Conclusion T-cell function can be improved,depending on the zinc and/or vitamin A supplemented.