Copper and inflammation--a possible rationale for the pharmacological manipulation of inflammatory disorders

Acute and chronic inflammations are characterized, among other features, by changes in the metabolism of copper and by a widespread responsiveness to the therapy with copper-containing molecules. The exact map of inflammation-induced copper movements as well as the role played by the metal in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders are, however, far from being clear, and this is especially true in the case of chronic processes. Nevertheless the present knowledge suggests that the "copper approach' may provide a new way for coping with the problem of anti-inflammatory/anti-arthritic therapies. The administration of exogenous copper, and the in vivo manipulation of the endogenous metal levels are proposed as two possible therapeutic strategies, not necessarily mutually exclusive. For a better understanding of the value of such an approach, further research work is needed, especially to attain a more detailed know-how on the involved chemical forms, distribution and functions of copper in both normal as well as inflamed organisms.