The Role of Zinc, Copper, and Calcium in Brain Health and Vascular-Type Senile Dementia
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 29, 2024 3 days, 20 hours, 39 minutes ago
Dementia: Our brain functions depend heavily on various essential elements, particularly zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and calcium (Ca). These metals are crucial for normal brain activities and are involved in numerous biological processes. However, when their levels are not well-regulated, they can contribute to the development of various neurodegenerative diseases, including a type of
Dementia known as vascular-type senile dementia (VTD). This Medical News report covers a recent study by researchers from Musashino University, Tokyo-Japan that explores the role of Zinc, Copper, and Calcium in Vascular-Type Senile Dementia.
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The Role of Zinc, Copper, and Calcium in Brain Health and Vascular-Type Senile Dementia
Why Zinc and Copper Matter
Zinc and copper are found in significant amounts in our brain and play pivotal roles in maintaining neuronal health. During neuronal excitation, zinc and copper are released into synaptic clefts, the spaces between neurons where communication occurs. These metals help regulate neuronal excitability and maintain calcium homeostasis, which is vital for memory formation and synaptic plasticity.
The Dangers of Excess Zinc and Copper
Under normal conditions, zinc and copper support brain function. However, in pathological states like transient global ischemia (a temporary loss of blood flow to the brain), excess zinc can be released into the synaptic clefts, leading to neuronal death. This excessive zinc release is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of VTD. Furthermore, low concentrations of copper can exacerbate zinc's neurotoxic effects.
Calcium's Role in the Brain
Calcium is another critical element in the brain, involved in neurotransmission and various signaling pathways. It works closely with zinc and copper to maintain neuronal health. Disruptions in calcium homeostasis are often linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
Understanding Vascular-Type Senile Dementia
VTD is a form of dementia resulting from cerebrovascular diseases, primarily caused by small strokes or ischemia. Risk factors include aging, male gender, diabetes, and high blood pressure. VTD accounts for about one-third of all dementia cases. After an ischemic event, the interruption of blood flow leads to excessive glutamate release, causing a massive influx of calcium into neurons and resulting in neuronal death and cognitive dysfunction.
How Zinc and Copper Interact
Both zinc and copper are secreted into synaptic clefts during neuronal excitation and can modulate neuronal firing rates. At nanomolar concentrations, they increase firing rates, but at micromolar levels, they decrease them, highlighting the importance of precise regulation. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) normally contains less than 1 micromolar of these metals, but their concentrations can be much higher in synapses.
Neurotoxicity and Metal Homeostasis
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Excessive zinc and copper are neurotoxic. Copper, in particular, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage neurons. Zinc homeostasis is managed by metallothioneins and zinc transporters, while copper homeostasis involves proteins like ATP7A and ATP7B. Disruptions in these regulatory mechanisms can lead to neurodegeneration.
Molecular Pathways in Neurotoxicity
Research has shown that zinc-induced neurotoxicity involves the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway. When neurons are exposed to high levels of zinc, several stress-related genes are upregulated, leading to cell death. Copper can enhance zinc-induced neurotoxicity by further disrupting calcium homeostasis and inducing oxidative stress.
Protecting Neurons from Metal Toxicity
Several substances can mitigate the harmful effects of zinc and copper. Sodium pyruvate, for example, has been found to protect neurons by improving energy levels and reducing oxidative stress. Antioxidants like thioredoxin-human albumin fusion protein and seleno-L-methionine also help by neutralizing ROS.
The Future of Dementia Treatment
Understanding the intricate roles of zinc, copper, and calcium in the brain opens new avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases like VTD. By targeting the molecular pathways involved in metal-induced neurotoxicity, researchers hope to develop therapies that can protect neurons and maintain cognitive function.
Conclusion
Zinc, copper, and calcium are essential for brain health, but their dysregulation can lead to severe neurodegenerative conditions. Continued research into how these metals interact and affect neuronal health is crucial for developing effective treatments for dementia and other related diseases. By maintaining a delicate balance of these metals, we can hope to prevent or mitigate the effects of vascular-type senile dementia.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Biomolecules.
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/14/7/773
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/strategies-to-combat-covid-19-linked-brain-amyloids-and-dementia-alzheimer
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/how-zinc-and-carnosine-could-hold-the-key-to-fighting-dementia-and-parkinson-s-disease
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