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On the selective antibacterial action of zinc compounds on pathogenic and beneficial microbiota

https://doi.org/10.37489/2587-7836-2025-3-13-20

EDN: MSACJA

Abstract

The antibacterial properties of zinc citrate are important for the treatment and prevention of pathologies caused by bacterial and viral pathogens. The trace element zinc exerts a suppressive effect on pathogenic microbiota and supports various aspects of beneficial microflora. However, the mechanisms of this "dual" action of zinc on microbiota are poorly understood. An analysis of 5,103 publications on the antibacterial effects of zinc salts provided a logical justification for zinc's selective bacteriostatic and bactericidal action against pathogenic flora: (1) zinc salts (e.g., zinc citrate), included in probiotics (e.g., Acipol Forte), support beneficial microbiota (lactoand bifidobacteria), which, in turn, displace pathogenic microbiota; (2) zinc supports humoral and cellular immunity in the host; (3) differentiated, genetically determined effects of zinc compounds on specific strains of bacterial pathogens and beneficial microbiota.

About the Authors

O. A. Gromova
Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” RAS
Russian Federation

Olga A. Gromova — PhD, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Leading researcher 

Moscow



I. Yu. Torshin
Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” RAS
Russian Federation

Ivan Yu. Torshin — PhD, Cand. Sci. (Physics and Mathematics), Cand. Sci. (Chemistry), Leading researcher 

Moscow



P. A. Galenko-Yaroshevsky
Kuban State Medical University
Russian Federation

Pavel A. Galenko-Yaroshevsky — PhD, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, RAS corresponding member, Head of the Department of Pharmacology 

Krasnodar



A. N. Gromov
Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” RAS
Russian Federation

Andrey N. Gromov — research engineer

Moscow



V. A. Semenov
Kemerovo State Medical University,
Russian Federation

Vladimir A. Semenov — PhD, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor of the Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Medical Genetics and Medical Rehabilitation

Kemerovo



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Review

For citations:


Gromova O.A., Torshin I.Yu., Galenko-Yaroshevsky P.A., Gromov A.N., Semenov V.A. On the selective antibacterial action of zinc compounds on pathogenic and beneficial microbiota. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics. 2025;(3):13-20. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.37489/2587-7836-2025-3-13-20. EDN: MSACJA

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