Experimental immunology
Decreased serum and mucosa immunoglobulin A levels in vitamin A- and zinc-deficient mice
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Submission date: 2014-02-25
Final revision date: 2014-04-12
Acceptance date: 2014-05-08
Publication date: 2014-06-27
Cent Eur J Immunol 2014;39(2):165-169
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ABSTRACT
Simultaneous zinc and vitamin A deficiency are common health problems in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin A- and zinc-deficient diet on immunoglobulin A (IgA) response. Six-week-old mice were assigned into two groups receiving a normal vitamin A and zinc or low vitamin A and zinc diet for five months. Serum and intestinal mucosa IgA levels were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The concentration of zinc in serum was determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Vitamin A measurement in serum was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography. Mice maintained on a low vitamin A and zinc diet showed significantly greater food intake but lower production of IgA both in serum and mucosa. A mucosa IgA level was significantly higher in both control and deficient groups than the serum IgA level. Results indicated that zinc and vitamin A deficiency is associated with a lower production of IgA. Micronutrient intervention strategies addressing IgA-related gastrointestinal infections are needed.