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Updated: Jul 23, 2025
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Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
38.7K
Zinc and Central Nervous System Disorders
Bangqi Wang1,2, Tianshu Fang1,2, Hongping Chen1
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.
Nutrients
|July 11, 2023
Summary
Zinc (Zn2+) is vital for brain function and neural transmission. Disruptions in zinc homeostasis are linked to central nervous system disorders, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Zinc (Zn2+) is the second most abundant trace element in the human body.
- It plays critical roles in cellular processes like proliferation, transcription, and immunity.
- Zn2+ is abundant in the central nervous system, essential for neural transmission and cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the correlation between zinc homeostasis and central nervous system disorders.
- To explore the potential mechanisms underlying these associations.
- To provide insights for the prevention and treatment of neurological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating zinc's role in the central nervous system.
- Analysis of research linking zinc dysregulation to various neurological disorders.
- Synthesis of potential molecular and cellular mechanisms involved.
Main Results:
- Zinc homeostasis is crucial for neurogenesis, cognition, memory, and learning.
- Disruptions in Zn2+ balance are associated with Alzheimer's disease, depression, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.
- Specific mechanisms linking zinc dysregulation to these disorders are being elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining zinc homeostasis is critical for central nervous system health.
- Altered zinc levels are implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous neurological disorders.
- Further research into zinc's role may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for nervous system diseases.
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