Dietary Trace Elements and the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Trace elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) are absorbed from food via the gastrointestinal tract, transported into the brain, and play central roles in normal brain functions. An excess of these trace elements often produces reactive oxygen species and damages the brain. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that the dyshomeostasis of these metals is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, prion diseases, and Lewy body diseases. The disease-related amyloidogenic proteins can regulate metal homeostasis at the synapses, and thus loss of the protective functions of these amyloidogenic proteins causes neurodegeneration. Meanwhile, metal-induced conformational changes of the amyloidogenic proteins contribute to enhancing their neurotoxicity. Moreover, excess Zn and Cu play central roles in the pathogenesis of vascular-type senile dementia. Here, we present an overview of the intake, absorption, and transport of four essential elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) and one non-essential element (aluminum: Al) in food and their connections with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases based on metal–protein, and metal–metal cross-talk.

Influence of trace elements changes in the cerebellum on the rat’s behavior in elevated plus maze in the early period of mild blast-induced traumatic brain injury

“…We consider that this indicates a violation of regulation on the cerebellum side, because its function in the implementation of the act of grooming has been confirmed by scientists [19]. Numerous studies of the biometals functions in the metabolic processes of the brain indicate the extremely important role of Fe, Cu and Zn [5,6,7]. Currently, it is being investigated how violations of certain biometals affect the brain and what consequences these changes have [20,21].…”

“…Mechanisms of damage to certain structures of the brain, particularly the cerebellum, which participates not only in the implementation of orientation and motor activity, but also in behavioral-cognitive processes, remain unexplored. Also, the participation of trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn) in secondary brain damage, which normally involved in the processes of myelination of nerve fibers, transmission of nerve impulses, synthesis of neurotransmitters, processes of energy exchange and are part of the antioxidant system, has not been established [5,6,7]. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to to determine whether there are changes in trace elements in the brain of rats with blast-induced trauma and if these changes affect behavior in the elevated plus maze.…”

Trace Elements in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: The Current State of Knowledge

“…Aluminium is the most common metallic element naturally found in our environment and is widely used for consumer products and in industrial processes. It is known to have an extensive range of forms in which it can be absorbed, such as food, cookware, as a pharmacological agent, and as an adjuvant in vaccines [50,51]. Although Al is absorbed through the digestive and respiratory system, its intake is restricted by the physiological pH, at which most Al compounds are relatively insoluble, resulting in absorption limitations.…”

“…Manganese is a significant trace element for body homeostasis. Its deficiency occurs rarely because it has sufficient levels in food [51,52]. Moreover, manganese can be inhaled as air particles and absorbed through the skin.…”

“…Fuel additives or fungicides can also contain Mn, and can be a source of manganese entering the body via the respiratory system. Excess amounts of Mn from contamination or occupational exposure present toxic activity [51]. When orally administered, Mn transforms to Mn 2+ in the presence of gastric acid, then is oxidized to Mn 3+ and transported bonded to tissue factor (TF) through the blood-brain barrier.…”