Research progress in iron overload and neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Background As a crucial trace element in human body,iron is a component of many biological macromolecules and takes part in some basic life events.A sophisticated and sound system including iron storage,transport,regulation and control maintains iron homeostasis in the body.It will lead to iron metabolism disorder when the complex network is in problems.Objective To review the important roles of iron overload in brain during the genesis and development process of neurodegenerative diseases.Content The formation of iron overload in brain and its relationship with neurodegenerative diseases have be discussed by mainly concluding the issues in iron transporters,homeostatic regulatory system and transport mechanism.Aberrant high iron content in brain participates in pathological process of diverse neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Trend The mechanism of iron overload causing neurodegeneration is being clarifying,but remains many puzzles to be explored.It may become a potential target for neurodegeneration treatment by using iron chelators to reverse iron overload in brain. Key words: Iron overload; Neurodegenerative disease; Iron regulatory protein/Iron responsive element; Hepcidin