Clinical Trial: Genetic Study of Severe Zinc Deficiencies

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational




Official Title: Genetic Study Explanatory Severe Zinc Deficiencies : Multicenter, Genetics, Controlled and Prospective Study

Brief Summary: Given the structural essential, catalytic and co-catalytic played by zinc in many sections of protein metabolism, carbohydrate and lipid (zinc is involved in the function of more than 300 metalloenzymes and metalloproteins), one can imagine the impact of a deficiency or even a sub-chronic zinc deficiency on the health of the individual. Studies multiply that show that, long-term, marginal zinc deficiency is a risk factor for the development of cancer or neurodegenerative complex diseases (eg Alzheimer's disease). In addition, the short-term zinc deficiencies foster the development of skin conditions and susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. The aim of this project is to identify, in the population of patients with pseudo-acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) tested in the investigators laboratory, rare variants (mutations "real" epimutations or polymorphisms) located in solute carrier family 39 member 4 (SLC39A4) gene or in 55 other genes chosen for their role in zinc homeostasis.