Essential metals in health and disease 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 paper reviewed the roles of essential metals in human health and disease, focusing on the importance of metal ions in biological processes. It discussed the impact of metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and various transition metals on enzymatic activities, redox reactions, and metal homeostasis. The review emphasized the interplay between essential and non-essential metals, their biochemical functions, and how disturbances in their regulation can lead to diseases like neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer.
Who was reviewed?
The review examined essential metals’ biological roles, their coordination chemistry, and their association with human health conditions. The authors provided a comprehensive overview of the contribution of metals like iron, copper, zinc, and others to cellular functions. They also reviewed research on how dysregulation of these metals contributes to diseases, drawing on existing literature and experimental findings from diverse disciplines such as bioinorganic chemistry, biophysics, and medicine.
What were the most important findings?
The most significant findings of this review underscore that essential metals play critical roles in numerous biological functions. These metals, especially redox-active transition metals such as copper and iron, are involved in electron transfer and enzyme catalysis. The review highlighted how metal dysregulation, whether through deficiency or excess, can lead to various diseases. Notably, conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cardiovascular diseases are linked to disturbances in the homeostasis of metals like zinc, copper, and iron. Furthermore, the review examined the importance of maintaining metal balance through complex metallo-regulatory mechanisms, and the potential therapeutic implications of understanding these interactions in the context of disease prevention and treatment. The authors also noted the potential role of non-essential metals, such as chromium, in interacting with essential metals, further complicating metal homeostasis in disease contexts.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The review emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to studying metal ions in health and disease, particularly in understanding metal interactions within biological systems. The findings suggest that better control over metal homeostasis could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for treating diseases related to metal imbalances. The study also advocates for increased research into the combined effects of essential and non-essential metals, which could provide deeper insights into disease mechanisms and open avenues for novel treatments. Additionally, the review points to the need for ongoing work in bioinorganic chemistry and systems biology to better understand the molecular pathways affected by metal dysregulation and to apply this knowledge in clinical settings for disease prevention and treatment.