Causes of accumulation of excess iron in the structures of the substantia nigra of the brain in Parkinson’s disease

A critical analysis of the literature on the factors contributing to the excessive accumulation of iron in the structures of the substantia nigra of the brain in Parkinson’s disease is presented. This morphological feature, along with such signs as the accumulation of an abnormal form of presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein in dopamine neurons, their rapid death and gliosis in the substantia nigra of the brain, is one of the most important in the pathomorphological picture of the disease. It is shown that the excess of iron in the substantia nigra may be due to the influence of such factors as the effects of toxic metals (aluminum, mercury and lead) on the brain, impaired permeability of the blood-brain barrier, changes in the expression of metal-containing proteins and genetic mutations. At the same time, the role of factors such as the consumption of large amounts of iron with food and dietary supplements, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the formation of this morphological sign of Parkinson’s disease remains not fully understood. Continuation of the study of the causes of accumulation of excess iron in the structures of the midbrain in Parkinson's disease and those consequences that may be caused by excessive accumulation of iron in these structures remain relevant for modern neurology. The literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed and eLibrary.