After reading this article you will learn about the biochemical and toxic effects of copper.
Biochemical Effects of Copper:
Copper is an essential trace element for both plants and animals. It acts as catalysts of enzyme reaction and also chelators of some organic compounds. In man, copper predominantly acts as a cofactor for a number of enzymes such as cerulo plasmin, cytochrome C-oxidase, dopamine β-hydroxy lase, superoxide dismutase and tyrosinase.
Toxic Effects of Copper:
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Excess intake of copper induce genotoxicity. Thus autosomal mutation induced by copper is seen in man. The main sites of copper accumulation are the liver and the brain and consequently liver disease and neuropsychiatric symptoms are the main features that lead to diagnosis.
The British physician Dr Samueal Alexander Kinnier Wilson (1878-1937), a neurologist, described the copper toxicity condition, including the pathological changes in the brain and liver in 1912. Since then this disease is called Wilson’s disease.
Wilson’s disease or hepatolenticular degeneration is associated with copper accumulation in tissues. This manifests as neurological or psychiatric symptoms and liver disease. It is treated with medication that reduces copper absorption or remove the excess copper form the body, but occasionally liver transplant is required.
In general, a diet low in copper-containing foods (mushrooms, nuts, chocolate, dried fruits, liver, and shellfish) is recommended. Penicillamine is the chelator first used in treatment of Wilson’s disease. This binds copper (chelation) and leads to excretion of copper in the urine.
Patients intolerant to penicillamine may instead commence on trientine hydrochloride, which has chelating properties. Sometimes zinc acetate may be used instead of chelators to maintain stable copper levels in the body. Zinc stimulates metallothiomin, a protein in gut cells that binds copper and prevents their absorption and transport to the liver.