[The role of iron in the pathology of nervous system].

Iron is one of few metal ions whose role in the central nervous system has received little attention, even though it is important in many enzymatic, metabolic and structural processes. The brain is rich in iron, and iron is the most likely initiator of free oxygen radicals generation. Recent investigations have reported that iron-generated free radicals play an important role in the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders. Experimental studies have shown that iron chelators and free-radical scavengers may have an important therapeutic potential in the future trends of treatment. This paper reviewed the current state of knowledge in this highly complicated field.