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Chemical Engineering |
Román-Cuevas, Cinthya, Department of Chemical Engineering, UPR-Mayagüez
The effect of metals on patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain characterized by confusion, loss of memory and many others symptoms. Although currently there is no cure, researchers are finding specific biological factors involved with Alzheimer's disease. The latest research on metals and Alzheimer's disease shows that among the brain abnormalities found in Alzheimer's disease is a buildup of the protein called beta amyloid. Beta amyloid is a metalloprotein, housing atoms of zinc, copper, aluminum and iron deep within its folds. Those bits of metal might be a causal factor for Alzheimer's disease and possibly a key to its treatment. Copper, zinc and iron can all react with oxygen. Oxygen is a critical component in our body's production of energy, but that energy is generated with a price. The byproducts of energy production, called free radicals, are toxic, damaging DNA and proteins. Copper can promote the production of these free radicals, while zinc has antioxidant properties, protecting against free radical damage. Free radical damage appears to be a significant component of Alzheimer's disease and the formation of amyloid plaques. Such ions may possibly change the chemical architecture of normal beta amyloid, making it more harmful. There is significant evidence that suggests that aluminum inhibits the second messenger system, causing neuronal malfunctions and cell death. Aluminum competes with iron, binds with silicic acid to form aluminosilicate. These silicates can be a significant causal agent in cell-derived generation of free radicals and consequent nerve cell damage. Evidence gathered with some epidemiological studies suggests that high aluminum levels in diet and water supply increase the risk of developing the disease. The purpose of this research is to measure aluminum, iron, zinc, calcium, and lead levels in human hair of patients with Alzheimer disease and to establish the accumulation of these metals associated with Alzheimer disease. The hair sample will be collected and washed to remove exogenous contamination; samples will be digested using trace metals grade nitric acid and microwave-assisted digestion procedures. After the sample is digested it will be analyzed by analytical procedures using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GF-AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy. Also the standard addition method is necessary, because the hair sample is a complex matrix. If a positive relation is established, the levels of aluminum will be monitored in blood and hair and used as a risk assessment tool for the disease.