A few weeks ago we discussed the new idea that iron levels in the brain potentially have implications in the development of Parkinson’s disease. As a progressive neurodegenerative disease, affecting about 2% of the elderly population, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is typically associated with tremors, rigidity, and instability, and also cognitive deficits.
Biologically, these symptoms are caused by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons (neurons that release dopamine) and the formation of Lewy bodies (abnormal protein clumps). However PD has also been shown to be associated with oxidative stress and metal accumulation, this is where iron comes into the picture.
In general iron accumulates in the brain with age and is regulated by a number of proteins, many of which also regulate the amount of iron allowed in the blood stream. Iron is essential for many processes such as DNA synthesis, neurotransmission, oxygen transport, and metabolism. In regards to Parkinson’s, an imbalance of iron in the brain can lead to greater levels of free radicals leading to oxidative damage of DNA and lipids, as well as proteins like alpha-synuclein. If there is oxidative damage to alpha-synuclein it will misfold and can lead to protein aggregates called lewy bodies.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, we can only treat the symptoms. Common treatments include, Levodopa for motor dysfunction, Dopamine agonists to promote dopaminergic signaling, and physical therapy to improve mobility and gain balance, and potentially we will be able to treat the symptoms associated with iron now.
Due to this new evidence, a new form of treatment for Parkinson’s has been identified. Iron chelators have the ability to lower iron availability; this is done by binding to free iron. The decrease in free iron will decrease instances of misfolding of protein as well as lower concentrations of free radicals, and overall keep iron levels in the brain in check.
Some research has shown that ingesting foods with antioxidant capabilities could also be a therapeutic treatment for PD. Green tea for instance contains catechins, specifically one called Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG for short, which have the ability to chelate iron but also have important neuroprotective action and potentially anticancer agents. Now, I am not a tea drinker, but there are plenty of other foods that contain catechins such as apples, blackberries, grapes, chocolate, and red wine. (For more interesting facts about catechins as well as the foods that contain them follow this link, Catechin Facts)
So what does this mean for the average person? Well, it is important to have balance. That’s what it comes down to most of the time when talking about the brain. We don’t want too much and we don’t want too little. It obviously wouldn’t be a good idea to go on a low iron diet, iron is an essential nutrient, but at the same time too much iron isn’t the greatest either.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s at this time, research on iron mechanisms in the brain has identified promising new treatments for the disease, and hopefully a cure is around the corner.
Iron-Chelator? I thought the super hero was Ironman…
