Aging Cell 2002 Oct;1(1):17-21
Buck Institute for Age Research, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA 94945, USA.
Levels of iron are increased in the brains of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients compared to age-matched controls. This has been postulated to contribute to progression of the disease via several mechanisms including exacerbation of oxidative stress, initiation of inflammatory responses and triggering of Lewy body formation. In this mini review, we examine the putative role of iron in PD and its pharmacological chelation as a prospective therapeutic for the disease.