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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Functional Neuroimaging Using Ultrasonic Blood-brain Barrier Disruption and Manganese-enhanced MRI
Published on: July 12, 2012
Manganese-induced neurodegenerative diseases and possible therapeutic approaches
Airton C Martins1, Priscila Gubert2,3, Gustavo R Villas Boas4
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, NY, USA.
Introduction:
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and prion disease represent important public health concerns. Exposure to high levels of heavy metals such as manganese (Mn) may contribute to their development.
Areas Covered:
In this critical review, we address the role of Mn in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases and discuss emerging treatments of Mn overload, such as chelation therapy. In addition, we discuss natural and synthetic compounds under development as prospective therapeutics. Moreover, bioinformatic approaches to identify new potential targets and therapeutic substances to reverse the neurodegenerative diseases are discussed.
Expert Opinion:
Here, the authors highlight the importance of better understanding the molecular mechanisms of toxicity associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and the role of Mn in these diseases. Additional emphasis should be directed to the discovery of new agents to treat Mn-induced diseases, since present day chelator therapies have limited bioavailability. Furthermore, the authors encourage the scientific community to develop research using libraries of compounds to screen those compounds that show efficacy in regulating brain Mn levels. In addition, bioinformatics may provide novel insight for pathways and clinical treatments associated with Mn-induced neurodegeneration, leading to a new direction in Mn toxicological research.
Insights
Exposure to manganese (Mn) may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. This review explores Mn
Area of Science:
- Neurotoxicology
- Environmental Health
- Neurology
Background:
- Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, ALS, prion disease) are significant public health issues.
- Elevated exposure to heavy metals, particularly manganese (Mn), is implicated in the development of these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the role of manganese in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases.
- To discuss current and emerging treatments for manganese overload, including chelation therapy.
- To explore novel therapeutic compounds and bioinformatic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Critical literature review on manganese's role in neurodegeneration.
- Analysis of existing and developing treatments for manganese overload.
- Discussion of bioinformatic strategies for identifying therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Manganese exposure is a potential contributing factor to neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.
- Current chelation therapies for manganese overload have limitations in bioavailability.
- Bioinformatic approaches offer promise for discovering new therapeutic pathways and agents.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Mn-induced neurotoxicity.
- Development of novel therapeutic agents with improved bioavailability for Mn-related diseases is crucial.
- Bioinformatics can accelerate the identification of effective treatments for manganese-induced neurodegeneration.
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