DISCOVERY OF MICROSCOPIC METALS IN BRAIN FROM PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

DISCOVERY OF HIGHLY REACTIVE MICROSCOPIC METALS IN POSTMORTEM BRAIN SAMPLES FROM PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S

Edited by, JOHN FELIX

      Scientists, for the first time found microscopic deposits of uncharged iron and copper in human tissue. Oxidized iron and copper are very much vital for the operation of numerous enzymes in a human body. These metal ions, which are metal atoms catalyze chemical reactions in the cells of human body.

       The study was done by Scientists of Keele University and University of Warwick in UK and those at University of Texas, US

      A team of researches discovered these metals in the sample of postmortem brain from two patients who had a neurodegenerative disease called Alzheimer's disease. Researches were surprised to discover highly reactive metals of elemental iron and copper in these samples.

     To image the Brain tissues, the researchers have used the powerful X-rays from the National synchrotron Diamond light source and the Advanced light source in California. 

     However, the identified metals of iron and copper in the brain tissue were in their elemental and uncharged form. Previously, these kind of elemental metals were seen only in microorganisms, viruses and plants. Now, they were identified in human brain sample. These metals were found in the clumps of protein that are specially present in an patient with Alzheimer's disease called Beta-amyloid plaques.

      These deposits of elemental iron and copper identified were on a nanoscale(Microscopic). Under normal circumstances, these reactive metal ions would rapidly undergo oxidation to form more chemically stable ions. The elemental iron deposits found were magnetic,so that would be useful for diagnosis or to monitor the progression of disease.

     Next the research team plans to look for metallic particles elsewhere in the brain. If they are only associated with Beta-Amyloid plaques, the researches will figure out the role of these metals in Alzheimer's disease.

     "This line of research would lead to new treatment targeting metals and amyloid proteins currently under consideration." said Prof. Telling.