The role of iron in brain ageing and neurodegenerative disorders

RJ Ward, FA Zucca, JH Duyn, RR Crichton… - The Lancet …, 2014 - thelancet.com
RJ Ward, FA Zucca, JH Duyn, RR Crichton, L Zecca
The Lancet Neurology, 2014thelancet.com
In the CNS, iron in several proteins is involved in many important processes such as oxygen
transportation, oxidative phosphorylation, myelin production, and the synthesis and
metabolism of neurotransmitters. Abnormal iron homoeostasis can induce cellular damage
through hydroxyl radical production, which can cause the oxidation and modification of
lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA. During ageing, different iron complexes
accumulate in brain regions associated with motor and cognitive impairment. In various …
Summary
In the CNS, iron in several proteins is involved in many important processes such as oxygen transportation, oxidative phosphorylation, myelin production, and the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters. Abnormal iron homoeostasis can induce cellular damage through hydroxyl radical production, which can cause the oxidation and modification of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA. During ageing, different iron complexes accumulate in brain regions associated with motor and cognitive impairment. In various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, changes in iron homoeostasis result in altered cellular iron distribution and accumulation. MRI can often identify these changes, thus providing a potential diagnostic biomarker of neurodegenerative diseases. An important avenue to reduce iron accumulation is the use of iron chelators that are able to cross the blood–brain barrier, penetrate cells, and reduce excessive iron accumulation, thereby affording neuroprotection.
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