Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
Qiuyang Ren
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20 Nan’erhuan Eastern Road, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
Jingsi Meng
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20 Nan’erhuan Eastern Road, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
Wei-Juan Gao
Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
Yan-Zhong Chang
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20 Nan’erhuan Eastern Road, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
Iron plays an essential role in various physiological processes. A disruption in iron homeostasis can lead to severe consequences, including impaired neurodevelopment, neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, and cancer. Interestingly, the link between mental health disorders and iron homeostasis has not received significant attention. Therefore, our understanding of iron metabolism in the context of psychological diseases is incomplete. In this review, we aim to discuss the pathologies and potential mechanisms that relate to iron homeostasis in associated mental disorders. We propose the hypothesis that maintaining brain iron homeostasis can support neuronal physiological functions by impacting key enzymatic activities during neurotransmission, redox balance, and myelination. In conclusion, our review highlights the importance of investigating the relationship between trace element nutrition and the pathological process of mental disorders, focusing on iron. This nutritional perspective can offer valuable insights for the clinical treatment of mental disorders.
