Title:Chelating Agents for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Volume: 19
Issue: 17
Author(s): R. J. Ward, D. T. Dexter and R. R. Crichton
Affiliation:
Keywords:
chelation, neurodegeneration, iron, copper, zinc
Abstract: It has become apparent in the last years that metal ion homeostasis and its dysfunction which results in increased accumulation
in brain, notably of copper, iron and zinc, may be associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such that chelation therapy
may be one therapeutic option. We briefly outline chelators currently available together with strategies to develop new chelators capable
of crossing the blood-brain-barrier. The homeostasis of iron in brain together with changes in brain iron with ageing are reviewed as well
as the role of iron in Parkinson’s disease, and the potential of chelation therapy in PD. Copper and zinc homeostasis in brain and ageassociated
changes are then outlined, along with a discussion of the possible involvement of Zn, Cu and Fe in Alzheimer’s disease. We
conclude with a brief summary of chelation therapy in AD.
