Metals ions and neurodegeneration

• Published in: Biometals Vol. 20; no. 3-4; pp. 639 - 654
• Main Authors: Molina-Holgado, Francisco, Hider, Robert C, Gaeta, Alessandra, Williams, Robert, Francis, Paul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Dutch
• Published: Netherlands New York : Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers 01.06.2007; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Agglomeration; alpha-Synuclein - genetics; alpha-Synuclein - metabolism; Alzheimer's disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides - genetics; Amyloid beta-Peptides - metabolism; Aβ-amyloid; Chelation; Chelation therapy; Disorders; Humans; Ions; Ions - chemistry; Ions - metabolism; iron; Iron Chelating Agents - metabolism; Iron Chelating Agents - therapeutic use; Metal ions; Metals; Metals - chemistry; Metals - metabolism; Molecular Structure; Neurodegeneration; Neurodegenerative Diseases - metabolism; Neurodegenerative Diseases - therapy; Neurological disorders; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Parkinson's disease; Pathology; Pharmacology; Prions - genetics; Prions - metabolism; protein aggregates; Proteins; Stresses; Therapy; Trends; α-Synuclein
• ISSN: 0966-0844; 1572-8773
• DOI: 10.1007/s10534-006-9033-z

Neurodegenerative disorders include a variety of pathological conditions, which share similar critical metabolic processes such as protein aggregation and oxidative stress, both of which are associated with the involvement of metal ions. In this review Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are mainly discussed, with the aim of identifying common trends underlying these neurological conditions. Chelation therapy could be a valuable therapeutic approach, since metals are considered to be a pharmacological target for the rationale design of new therapeutic agents directed towards the treatment of neurodegeneration.