Abstract
Iron is a vital element required by almost all cells for their normal functioning. The well-established role of iron in oxidative metabolism, myelination and synthesis of neurotransmitter makes it an indispensable nutrient required by the brain. Both iron deficiency and excess have been associated with numerous patho-physiologies of the brain, suggesting a need for iron homeostasis. Various studies have reported that the immune effector cells of the brain, the microglial cells, are involved in iron homeostasis in the brain. Microglial cells, which accumulate iron during the developmental period, have a role in myelination process. Along with the increased iron accumulation documented in neurodegenerative diseases, the striking finding is the presence of iron positive microglial cells at the foci of lesion. Though excess iron within activated microglia is demonstrated to enhance the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals, a complete understanding of the role of iron in microglia is lacking. The present knowledge on iron mediated changes, in the functions of microglia is summarized in this review.
Keywords: Microglia, iron accumulation, iron transport, inflammatory cytokines, free radicals, iron chelators.
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
Title:Consequences of Iron Accumulation in Microglia and its Implications in Neuropathological Conditions
Volume: 12 Issue: 6
Author(s): Gurugirijha Rathnasamy, Eng-Ang Ling and Charanjit Kaur
Affiliation:
Keywords: Microglia, iron accumulation, iron transport, inflammatory cytokines, free radicals, iron chelators.
Abstract: Iron is a vital element required by almost all cells for their normal functioning. The well-established role of iron in oxidative metabolism, myelination and synthesis of neurotransmitter makes it an indispensable nutrient required by the brain. Both iron deficiency and excess have been associated with numerous patho-physiologies of the brain, suggesting a need for iron homeostasis. Various studies have reported that the immune effector cells of the brain, the microglial cells, are involved in iron homeostasis in the brain. Microglial cells, which accumulate iron during the developmental period, have a role in myelination process. Along with the increased iron accumulation documented in neurodegenerative diseases, the striking finding is the presence of iron positive microglial cells at the foci of lesion. Though excess iron within activated microglia is demonstrated to enhance the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals, a complete understanding of the role of iron in microglia is lacking. The present knowledge on iron mediated changes, in the functions of microglia is summarized in this review.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Rathnasamy Gurugirijha, Ling Eng-Ang and Kaur Charanjit, Consequences of Iron Accumulation in Microglia and its Implications in Neuropathological Conditions, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2013; 12 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/18715273113126660169
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/18715273113126660169 |
Print ISSN 1871-5273 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1996-3181 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system infectious diseases
Infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) can be divided into bacterial, tuberculous, viral, fungal, parasitic infections, etc. Early etiological treatment is often the most crucial means to reduce the mortality rate of patients with central nervous system infections, reduce complications and sequelae, and improve prognosis. The initial clinical ...read more
Techniques of Drug Repurposing: Delivering a new life to Herbs & Drugs
Of late, with the adaptation of innovative approaches and integration of advancements made towards medical sciences as well as the availability of a wide range of tools; several therapeutic challenges are being translated into viable clinical solutions, with a high degree of efficacy, safety, and selectivity. With a better understanding ...read more
Trends and perspectives in the rational management of CNS disorders
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases enforce a significant global health burden, driving ongoing efforts to improve our understanding and effectiveness of therapy. This issue investigates current advances in the discipline, focusing on the understanding as well as therapeutic handling of various CNS diseases. The issue covers a variety of diseases, ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Vasoactive Factors and Diabetic Retinopathy: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Cycoloxygenase-2 and Nitric Oxide
Current Pharmaceutical Design Coumarins as Antioxidants
Current Medicinal Chemistry Relaxin: New Functions for an Old Peptide
Current Protein & Peptide Science Interaction of Chemokines with their Receptors - From Initial Chemokine Binding to Receptor Activating Steps
Current Medicinal Chemistry Organoselenium Small Molecules and Chromium(III) Complexes for Intervention in Chronic Low-grade Inflammation and Type 2 Diabetes
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry COVID-19: A Great Mime or a Trigger Event of Autoimmune Manifestations?
Current Rheumatology Reviews Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Approaches to Reduce Acute Atherosclerotic Complications
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Effectors of Fatty Acid Oxidation Reduction: Promising New Anti-Ischaemic Agents
Current Pharmaceutical Design Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Diabetes Mellitus: Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption, Pathophysiology and Cognitive Impairments
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Blood Biomarkers in Cardioembolic Stroke
Current Cardiology Reviews Dibenzofurans from Lichens – A Pharmacological Overview
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Roles of Chemokine CXCL12 and its Receptors in Ischemic Stroke
Current Drug Targets The Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Critical Illness
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Cerebrovascular Complications of Diabetes: Focus on Stroke
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer with Pharmacological Ascorbate
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology NAD Metabolism and Functions: A Common Therapeutic Target for Neoplastic, Metabolic and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry ALDH2---The Genetic Polymorphism and Enzymatic Activity Regulation: Their Epidemiologic and Clinical Implications
Current Drug Targets Editorial: Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Surgery: The Need for an Effective Pharmacological Prophylaxis
Current Vascular Pharmacology The Rabbit as an Experimental and Production Animal: From Genomics to Proteomics
Current Protein & Peptide Science Recent Advances on the Antiatherogenic Effects of HDL-Derived Proteins and Mimetic Peptides
Current Pharmaceutical Design