Neurodegenerative diseases and therapeutic strategies using iron chelators

Roberta J. Ward, David T. Dexter, Robert R. Crichton, Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 31, July 2015, Pages 267-273, ISSN 0946-672X, doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.12.012.

Evidence for metal involvement in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease as well as Friedreich's ataxia and multiple sclerosis is presented. Preliminary results from trials of iron chelation therapy in these neurodegenerative diseases are reviewed. Considering the importance of metal ions in the normal functions of the human brain, it is not surprising that dysregulation of metal homeostasis should have harmful effects on brain function. The therapeutic utilisation of iron chelators in neurodegenerative diseases is still in its infancy.

 Neurodegenerative diseases and therapeutic strategies using iron chelators