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Roles of metal microelements in neurodegenerative diseases
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive loss of neuronal structures and
functions. Although all biochemical and/or physiological processes are not completely understood, it is
known that the main neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and prion
diseases, and also amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) present certain obvious similarities. Biometal
microelements, such as copper, iron, manganese, and zinc, are crucial for many physiological functions,
especially in the CNS. Shifts in the amounts of these metals are essential for the development and
maintenance of numerous enzymatic activities, mitochondrial functions, neurotransmission, and also
for memorization and learning. However, with deregulations in their homeostasis, particularly in those
connected with redox activity, there are consequent changes in the ion and microelement balance. This
redox activity may contribute to the production of free radicals that can react with various organic
substrates, thus generating increased levels of oxidative stress. There is growing evidence that metal
microelements play significant roles in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The interaction
between metals and CNS proteins is crucial in the development or absence of neurodegeneration. In this
way, homeostasis of metal microelements represents a mechanism of extreme importance. Our paper
aims at an updated and critical review of the role of the respective metals in neurodegenerative diseases
and the main related pathogenic mechanisms.
Description
Keywords
Metal Microelements Alzheimer’s disease Parkinson’s disease Huntington’s disease ALS Prions
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Publisher
Springer Science