AOCCN2017

Presentation information

Parallel Session

[PS8] Parallel Session 8: Neurometabolic Disorder

Thu. May 11, 2017 1:40 PM - 3:30 PM Room D (1F Argos E)

Chair: Hsiu-Fen Lee (Taichung Veterans General Hospital), Khalid Alahmadi (King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center )

Cosponsored by KAINOS Laboratories,Inc.

[PS8-1D-2] Heavy Metals Related Neurometabolic Diseases

Ching-Shiang CHI (Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Tungs’ Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan)

Heavy metals, present in trace concentrations in the environment, are naturally occurring elements with a relative high density compare to water. Heavy metals play an important role in relation to the pathology of the nervous system. Some of them (e.g. aluminum, cadmium, lead, mercury) are non-essential with high degree of toxicity of humans. When absorbed or inhaled in high doses, they usually damage specific organs such as kidneys, bone, brain, and nerves, and may also be implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
Other bioavailable metals (e.g. copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc) are essential nutrients of various biochemical and physiological human functions and especially for brain development and metabolism. When their concentrations are out of normal range, due to abnormal accumulation or inadequate supply from various origins (i.e. genetic or toxicity), these microelements may play a role in disease pathogenesis. Disorders of metabolism of these metals will lead to various neurological diseases.
This talk will focus on the neurometabolic diseases in connection with copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc including neurological manifestations, clinical approach, and potential treatment.