Although much maligned, the amyloid-β (Aβ) protein has been shown to possess a number
of trophic properties that emanate from the protein's ability to bind Cu, Fe and Zn. Aβ
belongs to a group of proteins that capture redox metal ions (even under mildly acidotic
conditions), thereby preventing them from participating in redox cycling with other ligands.
The coordination of Cu appears to be crucial for Aβ's own antioxidant activity that has been
demonstrated both in vitro as well as in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. The …