Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a key role in many metabolic processes through its role in various enzymes. It is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the liver bound to albumin or ceruloplasmin. In the liver, copper is incorporated into ceruloplasmin and exported into the bloodstream or excreted into bile. Mutations in copper transport proteins can lead to diseases like Wilson's or Menkes disease. Copper is a component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, which helps reduce damaging free radicals in cells. Imbalances in copper levels have been associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders.

2. Copper and zinc ,Biological role and Significance
of Copper/Zinc Imbalance
By Josco Osredcar and Natasa Sustar

3.  Copper is a vital dietary nutrient, although
only small amounts of the metal are needed for
well-being .
 It is the third most abundant trace metal in the
body [behind iron and zinc],
 total amount of copper in the body is only 75-
100 mg.
 It is present in every tissue of the body, but is
stored primarily in the liver, with fewer
amounts found in the brain, heart, kidney, and
muscles.

4.  Copper plays an important role in our metabolism, largely
because it allows many critical enzymes to function properly.
 is essential for maintaining the strength of the skin, blood
vessels, epithelial and connective tissue throughout the body.
 plays a role in the production of hemoglobin, myelin,
melanin and it also keeps thyroid gland functioning
normally.
 It can act as both an antioxidant and a pro-oxidant. Free
radicals occur naturally in the body and can damage cell
walls, interact with genetic material, and cntribute to the
development of a number of health problems and diseases.

5.  As an antioxidant, Cu scavenges or neutralize free
radicals and may reduce or help prevent some of the
damage they cause.
 As a pro-oxidant , it promotes free radical damage
and may contribute to the development of
Alzheimer’s disease.
 Maintaining the proper dietary balance of Cu, along
with other minerals such as zinc and manganese, is
important.

8.  Copper is absorbed in the gut and transported
to the liver bound to albumin.
 It enters the bloodstream via the plasma
protein called ceruloplasmin, where its
metabolism is controlled, and is excreted in
bile.
 A transporter protein on the cells of the small
bowel, copper membran transporter 1 - CMT1,
carries copper inside the cells, where some is
bound to metallothioneins and part is carried
by copper transport protein - ATOX1 (copper
chaperone for ATP7A and ATP7B) to the trans-

9.  Here, in response to rising concentrations of
copper, an enzyme called ATP7A releases copper
into the portal vein to the liver.
 Liver cells also carry the CMT1 protein, and
metallothioneins and ATOX1 bind Cu inside the
liver cells,
 But here it is ATP7B that links copper to
ceruloplasmin and releases it into the
bloodstream, as well as removing excess copper
by secreting it into bile .
 Approximately 90% of the copper in the blood is
incorporated into ceruloplasmin, which is
responsible for carrying copper to tissues.

11. Mutations
Mutation in copper transport proteins, ATP7B and
ATP7A, can disable these transport systems and
leading to Wilson’s disease and Menkes disease,
respectively .

13. Superoxide dismutase is a metal- containing
antioxidant enzyme that reduce free radicals of
oxygen formed during normal metabolic
processes to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.

14. There are three types of superoxide dismutase
o Cu/Zn SOD1 ( which binds with Cu and Zn)
o Manganese SOD2 ( which binds with Mn)
o Extracellular SOD3

15.  Cu/Zn SOD1 is homodimeric metalloenzyme.

16.  It is found in the cytosol, nucleus, peroxisomes
and mitochondria.
 The human SOD1 gene is located on
chromosomes 21 ,22
 It acts as scavenger of superoxide radicals
which are generated during metabolism and
phagocytosis.

19.  Cancer
 Cardiovascular disease
 Down’s syndrome
 Amyotropic lateral sclerosis