Title:Insights Into the Role of Copper in Neurodegenerative Diseases and the
Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds
Volume: 22
Issue: 10
Author(s): Guangcheng Zhong, Xinyue Wang, Jiaqi Li, Zhouyuan Xie, Qiqing Wu, Jiaxin Chen, Yiyun Wang, Ziying Chen, Xinyue Cao, Tianyao Li, Jinman Liu*Qi Wang*
Affiliation:
- Affiliated Jiangmen TCM Hospital of Ji'nan University, Jiangmen, China
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
Keywords:
Neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive impairments, copper chelators, metal-protein attenuating compounds, natural compounds, polyphenol.
Abstract: Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a collection of neurological disorders originating
from the progressive degeneration of neurons, resulting in the dysfunction of neurons. Unfortunately,
effective therapeutic interventions for these diseases are presently lacking. Copper (Cu), a crucial trace
element within the human body, assumes a pivotal role in various biological metabolic processes, including
energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and neurotransmission. These processes are vital for
the sustenance, growth, and development of organisms. Mounting evidence suggests that disrupted
copper homeostasis contributes to numerous age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's
disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS), Wilson's disease (WD), Menkes disease (MD), prion diseases, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
This comprehensive review investigates the connection between the imbalance of copper homeostasis
and neurodegenerative diseases, summarizing pertinent drugs and therapies that ameliorate neuropathological
changes, motor deficits, and cognitive impairments in these conditions through the modulation
of copper metabolism. These interventions include Metal-Protein Attenuating Compounds
(MPACs), copper chelators, copper supplements, and zinc salts. Moreover, this review highlights the
potential of active compounds derived from natural plant medicines to enhance neurodegenerative disease
outcomes by regulating copper homeostasis. Among these compounds, polyphenols are particularly
abundant. Consequently, this review holds significant implications for the future development of
innovative drugs targeting the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.