Electrochemical investigation into the redox activity of Fe(II)/Fe(III) in the presence of nicotine and possible relations to neurodegenerative diseases.
The biological relevance of Fe(II)/Fe(III) is becoming evermore apparent, especially in relation to its potential role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The reported relationship between smoking and a reduced incidence of neurodegenerative disorders prompted this work. In order to investigate whether nicotine can interact with iron, we have studied the electrochemical behaviour of a Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couple in the presence of nicotine. Solubility issues and lack of available nonreacting salts of nicotine necessitated studies being conducted at low pH values. Cyclic voltammetry experiments revealed a definite alteration in the electrochemical behaviour of the Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couple suggesting the capability of nicotine to complex with free iron and, hence, reduce its reactivity. This is evident from a slower rate of heterogeneous electron transfer, ks, and a shift from reversible to quasi-reversible behaviour, as characterised from the diffusion coefficient (D), the full width half maximum (FWHM), DeltaEp and Ef. Additional complexation titrations, pH ranging from 1 to 7, confirm a weak complexation reaction occurring between Fe(III) and nicotine.
Bridge
Mary H
MH
Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-AC, A-1060 Vienna, Austria.
Williams
Edna
E
Lyons
Michael E G
ME
Tipton
Keith F
KF
Linert
Wolfgang
W
D004563:Electrochemistry; D004579:Electron Transport; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007501:Iron; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D009538:Nicotine / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D009538:Nicotine; D007501:Iron