The role of zinc, copper, manganese and iron in neurodegenerative diseases.

The role of zinc, copper, manganese and iron in neurodegenerative diseases. Neurotoxicology. 2019 Aug 01;: Authors: Mezzaroba L, Alfieri DF, Colado Simão AN, Vissoci Reiche EM Abstract Metals are involved in different pathophysiological mechanisms associated with neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to review the effects of the essential metals zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) on the central nervous system (CNS), as well as the mechanisms involved in their neurotoxicity. Low levels of Zn as well as high levels of Cu, Mn, and Fe participate in the activation of signaling pathways of the inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) response, including nuclear factor kappa B and activator protein-1. The imbalance of these metals impairs the structural, regulatory, and catalytic functions of different enzymes, proteins, receptors, and transporters. Neurodegeneration occurs via association of metals with proteins and subsequent induction of aggregate formation creating a vicious cycle by disrupting mitochondrial function, which depletes adenosine triphosphate and induces IO&NS, cell death by apoptotic and/or necrotic mechanisms. In AD, at low levels, Zn suppresses β-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity by selectively precipitating aggregation intermediates; however, at high levels, the binding ...
Source: Neurotoxicology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Neurotoxicology Source Type: research