Health UK (Commonwealth Union) – Researchers from the Universities of Manchester and Auckland have made a significant discovery regarding variations in metal levels in the brains of individuals with Huntington’s Disease (HD), a form of dementia, in comparison to a control group with healthy brain tissue.
Their findings, detailed in a study published in eBioMedicine, delved into the presence of various elements, such as selenium (a metalloid), sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese, across 11 distinct brain regions.
Notably, the scientists identified substantial reductions in selenium levels within all 11 regions of the brains afflicted by Huntington’s Disease, with low levels indicating a heightened risk of the disease.
Elevated ratios of sodium and potassium were observed in all regions, except the substantia nigra, while numerous regions displayed increased levels of calcium and/or zinc. Localized depletions of iron, copper, and manganese were identified in the globus pallidus, cerebellum, and substantia nigra, respectively.
HD is a fatal ailment that leads to the progressive degeneration and demise of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain, resulting in symptoms such as memory loss, stumbling, involuntary jerking, mood swings, and difficulties in swallowing, speaking, and breathing.
This condition is triggered by a defective gene inherited from a parent and typically emerges between the ages of 30 and 50, with its underlying mechanisms not yet fully comprehended. Regrettably, there is currently no known cure for Huntington’s Disease, and it afflicts an estimated 8 out of every 100,000 people in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
The scientists conducted their analysis using brain tissue generously donated by nine individuals with Huntington’s Disease who had passed away, and this tissue was obtained from the NZ Neurological Foundation Douglas Human Brain Bank at the University of Auckland.
Selenium is known for its pivotal role in guarding against oxidative stress, which involves an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, and can inflict damage upon organs and tissues, potentially contributing to the development of Huntington’s Disease.
Researchers of the study also pointed out that Selenium is also implicated in the malfunction of mitochondria, vital powerhouses within human cells, a dysfunction known to be associated with the progression of Huntington’s Disease.
Sodium and potassium play vital roles in the central nervous system by regulating the conduction of electrical nerve impulses.
Calcium, zinc, iron, copper, and manganese are involved in a wide array of processes, including gene expression, cell signaling, and cell death.
Cutting-edge technology known as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed to scrutinize regions of varying neurodegeneration.
Dr. Melissa Scholefield, the lead author, pointed out that this study represents the first known investigation that concurrently examined metal levels across multiple regions of the Huntington’s Disease-afflicted brain within the same group of subjects.
“We think the changes we found in their levels could contribute to several pathogenic mechanisms, including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and blood–brain barrier dysfunction, as shown by previous studies in mice.
“However, we caution that it is dangerous to self-medicate with supplements; the blood-brain barrier could mean these could elements might build up in someone’s blood stream, with potentially toxic effects.”
Professor Garth Cooper, the Principal Investigator, emphasized that the most remarkable discovery lies in the consistent deficiency of selenium across all brain regions they examined. This uniform deficiency across the brain suggests that selenium might potentially be a more accessible therapeutic target in the future, as it is challenging to pinpoint specific brain regions.
Professor Cooper, also pointed out that subsequent investigations aimed at understanding the timeline, root causes, and consequential impacts of selenium alterations in HD may eventually offer a promising therapeutic avenue for managing this condition.
But he pointed out however that, it is essential to exercise caution when interpreting the results of this current human brain study due to the relatively limited size of our study cohort.
