1. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2010 Dec 27;2011:720658.

Iron and mechanisms of neurotoxicity.

Salvador GA, Uranga RM, Giusto NM.

Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas Bahía Blanca, Universidad Nacional del
Sur y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 8000 Bahía
Blanca, Argentina.

The accumulation of transition metals (e.g., copper, zinc, and iron) and the
dysregulation of their metabolism are a hallmark in the pathogenesis of several
neurodegenerative diseases. This paper will be focused on the mechanism of
neurotoxicity mediated by iron. This metal progressively accumulates in the brain
both during normal aging and neurodegenerative processes. High iron
concentrations in the brain have been consistently observed in Alzheimer's (AD)
and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. In this connection, metalloneurobiology has become
extremely important in establishing the role of iron in the onset and progression
of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons have developed several protective
mechanisms against oxidative stress, among them, the activation of cellular
signaling pathways. The final response will depend on the identity, intensity,
and persistence of the oxidative insult. The characterization of the mechanisms
mediating the effects of iron-induced increase in neuronal dysfunction and death
is central to understanding the pathology of a number of neurodegenerative
disorders.


PMCID: PMC3014724
PMID: 21234369 [PubMed - in process]