Latest Experimental Data on the Role of Zinc in the Management of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to complex pathophysiological cascades including oxidative stress, inflammation, neuronal death, and impaired regeneration. Zinc, an essential trace element, is known to participate in numerous cellular processes, including enzymatic activity, antioxidant defense, and neurogenesis. Recent experimental studies have examined the therapeutic potential of zinc in SCI management. The aim of this narrative study is to review the latest experimental data (in vitro and in vivo) on the role of zinc in the treatment of SCI. The majority of studies used rodent models of SCI (typically contusion or compression models), with zinc administered in various forms (e.g., inorganic salts, organic complexes, or engineered nanoparticles). According to animal studies, zinc supplementation had positive effects after SCI by reducing inflammation, limiting apoptosis, regulating autophagy, reducing oxidative stress, favoring axonal regeneration and modulating mitochondrial function. Zinc demonstrates promising therapeutic potential in SCI models due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Experimental evidence supports its ability to attenuate secondary injury mechanisms and promote tissue preservation. Future research should focus on the development of targeted delivery systems, exploration of zinc-dependent molecular pathways, and eventual translation into controlled clinical trials.