Experimental hypercupremia does not result in increases in copper in lens, iris, or ocular fluids

Ocular manifestations of monoclonal copper-binding immunoglobulin

The dense accumulation of copper in Descemet membrane and lens capsule is the characteristic manifestation of a circulating monoclonal antibody with strong affinity for copper. The overproduction of this monoclonal immunoglobulin may be associated with either multiple myeloma or a benign monoclonal gammopathy. Despite prolonged exposure to elevated serum copper, no other tissues in the body are adversely affected by this redox metal. We describe the clinical and pathological findings in a 46-year-old woman with this disorder.

The neuropsychiatry of Wilson's disease: a review

Psychiatric symptoms are frequently encountered in Wilson's disease (WD). The recent resurgence of interest in neuropsychiatry has led to a more detailed consideration of the psychopathology associated with WD. As suggested by Wilson, disorders of affect, behavior and personality are the most common features. Contrary to Wilson's view, recent evidence suggests that such symptoms have an organic basis. Cognitive impairments tend to be mild and improve with treatment. There is a lack of recent evidence for an association between WD and organic delusional disorders.

Aqueous humour and serum zinc and copper concentrations of patients with glaucoma and cataract

Serum and aqueous humour zinc and copper concentrations of 44 patients with glaucoma and cataract were determined. Serum values were found within normal ranges. The highest mean copper concentration was seen in the glaucoma group. In addition there was a significant negative correlation between the aqueous humour levels of zinc and copper in patients with glaucoma. It was concluded that an increased copper value together with a low zinc value might be of importance in patients with glaucoma.

Role of site-specific, metal-catalyzed oxidation in lens aging and cataract: a hypothesis

The evidence reviewed here supports the hypothesis that metal catalyzed oxidation reactions occur in the lens and may make a significant contribution to the changes seen in the lens with age and in cataract formation. The major support for this hypothesis is as follows. (1) All of the components of the non-enzymic metal catalyzed oxidation systems are present in the lens normally. Ascorbate, glutathione and oxygen are present in much lower concentrations. Although, even at low concentrations, the reactions could occur over many years with significant consequences. Components of some of the enzymic systems are also present, although primarily in the epithelial layer and outer cortical region. Copper and iron levels may be increased in some cataracts. (2) Protein carbonyl derivatives are increased in both aging and cataractous lenses. Amino acid-derived protein carbonyl derivatives have only been demonstrated in oxidative reactions derived from oxygen radical generation, particularly those catalyzed by metal-catalyzed oxidation systems. (3) Treatment of isolated bovine crystallins with metal catalyzed oxidation systems generates modifications similar to those found in vivo. The proposed mechanism of site-specific metal catalyzed oxidation appears to be a feasible mechanism of oxidation in the lens, and verification of the mechanism requires further study. Although the focus of this manuscript has been on the oxidative modification induced in proteins,m oxidative damage to DNA or membrane resulting from similar mechanisms may also play an important role in alteration of lens function during aging and cataractogenesis.