[Inherited neurological disease--relationship between an essential trace elements and Wilson/Menkes disease]

Because copper is an integral component of various enzymes in every cells, it has been known to be essential for cell activities. Copper is also a very toxic ion, so a specific series of copper transport process must exist to carry copper to the sites where it is required, and to ensure copper homeostasis without allowing toxic accumulation. Wilson disease and Menkes disease are the inherited diseases caused by genetic defects in copper metabolism. Wilson disease is related to the toxic effects of copper accumulation in liver, which leads to progressive liver damage and subsequent overflow to brain causing a loss of coordination and involuntary movement. Menkes disease is caused by the deficiency of serum copper and of copper-dependent enzymes, in various tissues except liver which characterized by neurologic degeneration and mental retardation, connective tissue and vascular defects, characteristic brittle and depigmented hair, and death in early childhood.