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Manganese and its role in Parkinson's disease: from transport to neuropathology

Michael Aschner1, Keith M Erikson, Elena Herrero Hernández

  • 1Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology and the Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2215-B Garland Avenue, 11425 MRB IV, Nashville, TN, 37232-0414, USA. michael.aschner@vanderbilt.edu

Neuromolecular Medicine
|August 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This review covers recent advances in manganese (Mn) neuropathology, focusing on its effects on dopamine systems, mitochondrial function, and neuroinflammation. It also discusses potential therapeutic strategies, including chelators, for mitigating Mn neurotoxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Toxicology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Manganese (Mn) exposure is linked to neurodegenerative disorders, particularly occupational manganism.
  • Understanding Mn transport into the brain and its effects on neurotransmitter systems is crucial for neuroprotection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in the neuropathology of manganese (Mn) exposure.
  • To explore Mn transport mechanisms, neurochemical effects, and neuroinflammatory responses.
  • To discuss therapeutic interventions for Mn-induced neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on manganese neuropathology.
  • Analysis of Mn transport hypotheses and effects on dopamine (DA) systems.
  • Examination of mitochondrial dysfunction, glial activation, and synaptic transmission disruption.

Main Results:

  • Manganese neurotoxicity primarily targets dopamine (DA) biology and mitochondrial function.
  • Neuroinflammation, involving glial activation, contributes to Mn-induced neuronal injury.
  • Disruption of glial-neuronal communication is a key mechanism in Mn neurodegeneration.

Conclusions:

  • Manganese exposure leads to complex neuropathological changes, including dopaminergic deficits and neuroinflammation.
  • Therapeutic strategies, such as chelators, show promise in attenuating Mn neurodegenerative effects.
  • Further research into Mn transport and neuroprotective mechanisms is warranted.

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