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Zinc as a protective factor against COPD: Insights from observational and Mendelian randomization analyses.

  • 2025-08-08
  • Medicine 104(32)
    • Banghui Liu
    • Jinhe Yuan
    • Lu Huan
    • Li Peng

Study Design

Type
Observational
Sample size
n = 502
Population
67,502 participants
Methods
Utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses; serum zinc levels assessed; weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses; stratified analyses; MR analyses with sensitivity tests
Funding
Unclear
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a major global health burden, with limited effective preventative strategies. Zinc, a key micronutrient, plays critical roles in immune regulation, anti-inflammatory processes, and maintaining epithelial integrity, yet its relationship with COPD and related infections remains poorly understood. This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. Serum zinc levels were assessed in 67,502 participants, with COPD diagnosed based on forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity <0.70 or physician reports. Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses explored nonlinear associations between zinc exposure and COPD risk. Stratified analyses examined the role of age, race, and smoking status as modifiers. MR analyses were conducted to assess causality, with sensitivity tests ensuring robustness. Higher zinc levels were associated with reduced COPD risk, showing significant nonlinear dose-response patterns (P-overall < .001; P-nonlinear = .030). Stratified analyses revealed stronger protective effects in individuals aged ≤ 65 years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.963, P = .003), Non-Hispanic Whites (OR = 0.965, P = .051), and smokers (OR = 0.965, P = .023). MR analysis confirmed Zinc's causal protective role in reducing COPD-related infections (OR = 0.979, P = .042), independent of confounders. This study provides robust evidence supporting zinc as a protective factor against COPD and related infections, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target for prevention and management. Future studies should explore optimal zinc supplementation strategies and gene-environment interactions to maximize its clinical benefits.

Research Insights

  • Zinc→Reduced COPD-Related Infection

    MR analysis confirmed Zinc's causal protective role in reducing COPD-related infections (OR = 0.979, P = .042), independent of confounders.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
  • Zinc→Reduced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Risk

    Higher zinc levels were associated with reduced COPD risk, showing significant nonlinear dose-response patterns (P-overall < .001; P-nonlinear = .030).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
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