Consequences of Disturbing Manganese Homeostasis Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Metals
Metals
Heavy metals influence microbial pathogenicity in two ways: they can be toxic to microbes by disrupting cellular functions and inducing oxidative stress, and they can be exploited by pathogens to enhance survival, resist treatment, and evade immunity. Understanding metal–microbe interactions supports better antimicrobial and public health strategies.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This review focused on manganese (Mn), an essential trace mineral, and its physiological roles as well as the consequences of its dysregulation in humans. The review assessed the various exposure routes to Mn, its homeostatic mechanisms, and the impact of its imbalance on human health, particularly its relation to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and brain functions.
Who was reviewed?
The review synthesized data from a broad range of scientific research spanning from 2018 to 2023, focusing on both experimental studies and clinical data regarding Mn exposure and its physiological effects on humans. It highlighted the consequences of Mn dysregulation, particularly in relation to the central nervous system, fertility, and metabolic diseases.
What were the most important findings?
Manganese is crucial for various biological processes, including energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and neurotransmitter production. However, both Mn deficiency and excess can have detrimental health effects, with a particular focus on the brain’s selective accumulation of Mn. Excessive exposure to Mn is linked to a range of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington’s disease, due to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the disruption of metal homeostasis. A key finding is that Mn accumulation in the brain, especially in the basal ganglia, is associated with movement disorders like manganism, which shares symptoms with Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, the review emphasized the U-shaped relationship between Mn intake and health outcomes, indicating that both extremes of Mn levels can be harmful. The review also identified the role of Mn in conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and metabolic diseases. It highlighted the importance of establishing reference values for Mn in various biological matrices to monitor exposure and prevent toxicity.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The findings underscore the importance of maintaining Mn homeostasis for optimal health. While Mn is essential for various enzymatic functions, overexposure, particularly in the form of environmental or occupational hazards, presents significant risks to neurodevelopment and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The review calls for better monitoring systems and reference values for Mn exposure, as well as strategies for preventing Mn toxicity. Additionally, the connection between Mn dysregulation and a range of disorders stresses the need for interdisciplinary research to further explore Mn’s role in health and disease.
Manganese (Mn)
Manganese plays a pivotal role in microbial pathogenesis. As a vital cofactor for enzymes involved in antioxidant defense and metabolism, manganese is essential for pathogens, enabling them to survive within the host. However, when not properly managed, manganese can become toxic to both the host and the pathogen. The host’s immune system, through mechanisms like the secretion of calprotectin, tries to limit microbial access to manganese, creating an ongoing battle between host defenses and microbial survival .