2009 issue 3-4

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Volume 25, issue 3-4

Review article

Copper – involving in neurodegeneration: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategy

Magdalena Rudnicka1
1. Katedra i Zakład Farmakologii Doświadczalnej i Klinicznej Warszawskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii, 2009, 3-4, 191–197
Keywords: Copper, neurodegeneration, homocysteine

Abstract

Human organism for normal grows and functioning needs many various molecules, including metal ions like copper. This transition metal is participating in many chemical reactions in cells. Imbalance in amount of this metal abolished cell’s homeostasis and leads to malfunction whole human organism. Inherited disorder, Wilson disease, comes from increased accumulation of copper ions in cells and organism is exposed to copper toxicity. Thus, neurodegenerative process depends on increase of amount of this transition metal ion. This review is focused on copper influence on progression and manifestation of neurodegenerative disorders, discuss molecular mechanisms underlay of copper toxicity and indicate therapeutic strategy that could be used in therapy of neurodegenerative diseases in future.

Address for correspondence:
Magdalena Rudnicka
ul. Czerwonych Beretów 10/18, 00-910 Warszawa
tel. 604 221 626
e-mail: rudnicka.magdalena@gmail.com