DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis of the lung, or PTB, is still a significant healthcare problem in the contemporary world, and immune impairment is one of the core patterns of the illness. It has been revealed that zinc and vitamin A are involved in the immune response.
Objective: To know the biochemical and physiological impact of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on the cellular immunity of the pulmonary TB afflicted.
Methods: The literature search was undertaken in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, using terms that were derived from the PICO framework to find articles published up to 2021.  Only those studies that entailed zinc and/or vitamin A supplementation in TB patients and assessed the immune responses in terms of these parameters—T-cell activity or cytokine secretion were considered for review. Each paper’s data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by two researchers separately. In the current meta-analysis, the random effects model was used.
Results: As shown by the raw data and findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, there is a marked improvement in the cellular immune response of pulmonary tuberculosis patients who received zinc and vitamin A supplements. Supplementation with zinc also brought up levels of IL-2, and IFN-γ, showing a good immune response and also causing a significant increase in CD4 + T cells. Pills A modulated the positive barrier of mucosa against pathogens and possessed anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improving the status of macrophages. The combined supplementation had an additive effect and seemed to improve the immune function, decrease the levels of oxidative stress, and improve the rates of sputum conversion. Overall, the supplementation of these micronutrients could be recommended for use, as additional treatments for TB.
Conclusion: Zinc and Vitamin A treatment certainly bears potential for affecting the cellular immune response in pulmonary TB-affected patients thereby showing potential for the purpose and improving treatment effectiveness. More studies are, therefore, required to support these observations and investigate the right doses to use.