Role of zinc in hemostasis: a review

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2008 Jan;121(1):1-8. doi: 10.1007/s12011-007-8038-y. Epub 2007 Oct 30.

Abstract

Zinc is a multi-functional element that is found in almost 300 enzymes where it performs catalytic, co-catalytic, and/or structural functions. In 1982, Gordon et al. (Am J Clin Ntr 35:849-857, 1982) found that a low zinc diet caused poor platelet aggregation and increased bleeding tendency in adult males. This fact drew interest to the role of zinc in blood clotting. It has been shown that hyperzincemia predisposes to increased coagulability, and hypozincemia to poor platelet aggregation and increased bleeding time. The blood clotting disturbances can be regressed by appropriate zinc intake management. Considering the importance of zinc as an essential element, its participation in regulation of the equilibrium between pro- and anti-thrombotic factors originating in platelets and endothelium prompted further investigations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Circulation
  • Blood Coagulation / physiology
  • Blood Platelets / physiology
  • Factor VII / metabolism
  • Factor XI / metabolism
  • Factor XII / metabolism
  • Fibrin / metabolism
  • Fibrinogen / metabolism
  • Hematopoiesis
  • Hemostasis / physiology*
  • Heparin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Prothrombin / metabolism
  • Zinc / deficiency
  • Zinc / physiology*

Substances

  • Factor VII
  • Prothrombin
  • Factor XII
  • Fibrin
  • Fibrinogen
  • Heparin
  • Factor XI
  • Zinc