Synaptic zinc ions (Zn) play an important role in the development of vascular dementia (VD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In this article, we reviewed the current comprehension of the Zn-induced neurotoxicity that leads to the pathogenesis of these neuronal diseases. Zn-induced neurotoxicity was investigated by using immortalised hypothalamic neurons (GT1-7 cells). This cell line is useful for the development of a rapid and convenient screening system for investigating Zn-induced neurotoxicity. GT1-7 cells were also used to search for substances that prevent Zn-induced neurotoxicity. Among the tested substances was a protective substance in the extract of Japanese eel (), and we determined its structure to be like carnosine (β-alanylhistidine). Carnosine may be a therapeutic drug for VD and PD. Furthermore, we reviewed the molecular mechanisms that involve the role of carnosine as an endogenous protector and its protective effect against Zn-induced cytotoxicity and discussed the prospects for the future therapeutic applications of this dipeptide for neurodegenerative diseases and dementia.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12061296 | DOI Listing |
Biomolecules
June 2024
Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shinmachi, Nishitokyo-shi 202-8585, Tokyo, Japan.
Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential for normal brain functions. In particular, Zn and Cu are released to synaptic clefts during neuronal excitation. Synaptic Zn and Cu regulate neuronal excitability, maintain calcium (Ca) homeostasis, and play central roles in memory formation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnviron Sci Technol
April 2023
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
As a group of new nanomaterials, nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely applied in the biomedical field, exerting unknown risks to the human body, especially the central nervous system. Herein, the impacts of MOF-74-Zn nanoparticles on neurological behaviors and neurotransmitter metabolism are explored in both and assays modeled by C57BL/6 mice and PC12 cells, respectively. The mice exhibit increased negative-like behaviors, as demonstrated by the observed decrease in exploring behaviors and increase in despair-like behaviors in the open field test and forced swimming test after exposure to low doses of MOF-74-Zn nanoparticles.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMetab Brain Dis
December 2019
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, 5700, South Africa.
Zinc plays an important role in neuronal signaling and neurotransmission. However, dyshomeostasis of this metal or its accumulation in the brain has been linked with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of Ecklonia maxima (KPM), Gracilaria gracilis (GCL), Ulva lactuca (ULT) and Gelidium pristoides (MNP) in Zn -induced neurotoxicity in HT-22 cells was examined.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMetallomics
August 2015
Laboratory of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shinmachi, Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan.
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a small dipeptide with numerous beneficial effects, including the maintenance of the acid-base balance, antioxidant properties, chelating agent, anti-crosslinking, and anti-glycation activities. High levels of carnosine and its analogue anserine (1-methyl carnosine) are found in skeletal muscle and the brain. Zinc (Zn)-induced neurotoxicity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia (VD), and carnosine inhibits Zn-induced neuronal death.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMetallomics
February 2014
Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shinmachi, Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan.
Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that is abundantly present in the brain. Although Zn plays crucial roles in learning and memory, numerous studies have indicated that the disruption of Zn homeostasis, namely both depletion and excess Zn, causes severe damage to neurons and is linked with various neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of Zn in the pathogenesis of these neurodegenerative diseases.
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