High iron concentrations / neurodegeneration

Functional effects of neuromelanin and synthetic melanin in model
systems.
Double KL
J Neural Transm. 2006 May 5;

The function of the dark polymer pigment neuromelanin found in
catecholaminergic neurons of the human brain is not understood,
especially as most published
data are based upon a synthetic model melanin which differs
structurally to
the native pigment. Nevertheless human neuromelanin has been shown to
efficiently bind transition metals such as iron, as well as other
potentially toxic
molecules. The pigment may have a protective function in the healthy
brain by,
for example, contributing to iron homeostasis within pigmented nuclei.
We have
demonstrated that synthetic dopamine melanin stimulates cell damage in
both
cell lines and primary cells in vitro, an effect associated with
increased
hydroxyl radical production and apoptosis. In contrast, at low iron
concentrations
native neuromelanin does not induce cell damage but rather protects
cells in
culture from oxidative stress. This protective function appears to be
lost at
high iron concentrations where neuromelanin saturated with iron
functions as a
source of oxidative load, rather than an iron chelator. Changes to
neuromelanin
and tissue iron load in Parkinson's disease may decrease the protective

potential of the pigment, thus increase the potential for cell damage
in this
disorder.

Who loves ya.
Tom

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Just thought you might like to know...

Sorry for all my pointless posts over the years.

Jeezus was a veteranomatarian, and he loves dogs.

Ha.. ...Ha Ha, Arrf!

N...

Quoted message said:

Just thought you might like to know...

Sorry for all my pointless posts over the years.

Jeezus was a veteranomatarian, and he loves dogs.

LOL!!!!!!!!

How, ah, ironic. . .

Sylvia

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Abstracts can sometimes be misleading, and an almost certain confusion if
one comes to them with presumptions. The point here about which turns the
whole matter is that this happens in people with Parkinson's disease and
is a result of it and not the cause of the disease, as looking at the full
article confirmed.

These reaction in normal brains is one of protection, only when the
disease occurs does the cell damage occur. Here is the remarks relative
to this from the article:

"ment. In the diseased brain a localised rease in nigral iron
concentrations may nificantly increase the amount of iron bound NM,
potentially stimulating iron-mediated age within these cells.
Alternatively, or itionally, a change in the structure of NM Parkinson's
disease may decrease the lity of the pigment to chelate iron, thus reasing
the potential for cell damage."

Iron does not cause Parkinson's disease.

A cast-iron pan, can, used properly...

Rob