Zinc gluconate, an organic compound containing zinc, has shown potential application value in the treatment of renal tumors. The following details its roles in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, suppressing tumor angiogenesis, enhancing immune function, and reducing the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy:
I. Inhibition of Tumor Cell Proliferation
Zinc is an essential trace element in the human body, participating in numerous intracellular biochemical reactions and signaling pathways. Zinc gluconate regulates the expression of cell cycle-related proteins, arresting tumor cells at specific phases of the cell cycle to inhibit their proliferation. For example, it may affect the expression and activity of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), preventing tumor cells from progressing from one cell cycle phase to the next and thus slowing tumor growth.
Studies on renal tumor cells have found that zinc gluconate interferes with DNA synthesis, hindering the replication of genetic material and preventing tumor cells from dividing and proliferating normally.
II. Induction of Tumor Cell Apoptosis
Abnormal apoptosis of tumor cells is a critical mechanism in tumor development. Zinc gluconate induces apoptosis in renal tumor cells by activating intracellular apoptotic signaling pathways. It upregulates the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins (such as Bax and Caspase-3) while downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins (such as Bcl-2), disrupting the balance between apoptosis and anti-apoptosis to promote tumor cell death.
Research shows that zinc gluconate activates the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, leading to a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, release of apoptosis-related factors like cytochrome C, and subsequent activation of the Caspase cascade, ultimately resulting in tumor cell apoptosis.
III. Suppression of Tumor Angiogenesis
Tumor growth and metastasis rely on new blood vessels for nutrients and oxygen. Zinc gluconate inhibits the proliferation, migration, and lumen formation of tumor vascular endothelial cells, thereby suppressing tumor angiogenesis. This effect is likely achieved by regulating the expression and activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors.
VEGF is a key factor in tumor angiogenesis. Zinc gluconate reduces the secretion of VEGF by tumor cells and surrounding stromal cells, inhibits the binding of VEGF to its receptors, blocks angiogenesis signaling pathways, reduces the formation of tumor blood vessels, and limits tumor growth and metastasis.
IV. Enhancement of Immune Function
The immune system of renal tumor patients is often suppressed, reducing the body’s ability to monitor and kill tumor cells. Zinc gluconate enhances immune function by increasing the activity and quantity of immune cells (such as T lymphocytes and NK cells), improving their ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells.
Zinc is involved in the development, differentiation, and function maintenance of immune cells. Zinc gluconate promotes the differentiation and proliferation of T lymphocytes, enhances macrophage phagocytosis, and improves the cytotoxicity of NK cells, thereby strengthening the body’s anti-tumor immune response and aiding in the control of renal tumor progression.
V. Alleviation of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Side Effects
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are important treatments for renal tumors but often cause severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, bone marrow suppression, and immune dysfunction. Zinc gluconate alleviates these side effects and improves patients’ tolerance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
It protects normal tissues and cells from damage caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy while promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged cells. Additionally, zinc gluconate regulates the body’s oxidative stress response, reduces free radical production, and decreases radiation- and chemotherapy-induced oxidative damage, thereby mitigating adverse reactions and improving patients’quality of life.
