title: Chelating agents for neurodegenerative diseases.
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 age associated 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.
authors.affiliation: Universite Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. wardrobertaj@gmail.com
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Dexter
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Crichton
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000378:metabolism; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D002614:Chelating Agents; D019216:Metals, Heavy