Manganese in Neurodegeneration

Abstract

Manganese (Mn) is an important metal for mammalian organisms, necessary for development, brain function, and optimally functional antioxidant systems. Mn is required as cofactor for the proper functioning of multiple enzymes. However, excessive amounts of intracellular Mn preferentially accumulate in mitochondria, where it may cause oxidative stress and ensuing cellular dysfunction. In the brain, Mn also oxidizes dopamine, causing the death of dopaminergic neurons. Subjects exposed to high Mn levels from occupational or environmental sources may show symptoms resembling a parkinsonian‐like syndrome, referred to as manganism. This article reviews basic concepts on the essentiality and function of Mn as well as its mechanisms of neurodegeneration.