Synergistic effect of zinc and vitamin A on T cell functions.

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 vitamin A, 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.