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Transmission Electron Microscopy as the Visualization Technique for Analysis of Circadian Synaptic Plasticity in the Mouse Barrel Cortex
Published on: August 19, 2025
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Crosstalk between copper, Alzheimer's disease, and melatonin
Deepika1, Ashima Thakur2, Archna Panghal3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Dist. Garhwal, Uttarakhand, 246174, India.
Summary
Alzheimer's disease involves copper (Cu) toxicity and amyloid-beta aggregation. Melatonin shows promise for Alzheimer's treatment by chelating excess copper and reducing oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and neuronal loss.
- Pathological hallmarks of AD include neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques.
- AD-related fatalities and financial burden are significantly increasing, with limited disease-modifying treatments available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex interplay between Alzheimer's disease, copper (Cu) toxicity, and melatonin.
- To examine the role of Cu dysregulation in AD pathogenesis.
- To evaluate melatonin's potential as a therapeutic agent for AD.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of in vivo, in vitro, and human studies.
- Analysis of the mechanisms by which Cu dysregulation contributes to AD.
- Assessment of melatonin's antioxidant, neuroprotective, and copper-chelating properties.
Main Results:
- Copper dysregulation exacerbates AD pathogenesis by inducing oxidative stress and promoting Aβ aggregation.
- Melatonin exhibits significant neuroprotective, antioxidant, and Cu-chelating capabilities.
- Melatonin counteracts the detrimental effects of excess copper in AD models.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin presents a promising dual therapeutic approach for AD by chelating excess copper and mitigating oxidative stress.
- Understanding the interaction between Cu dysregulation and melatonin's protective effects can lead to novel AD therapies.
- Melatonin offers potential for improved management and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
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