d-penicillamine reduces serum oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease patients

Background Several lines of evidence address the emerging role for copper in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) for sustaining oxidative mechanisms. Studies indicate that peripheral markers of oxidative stress in AD patients could be informative about the pathophysiology of this brain condition. Here, we present a pilot study examining the efficacy of the copper‐chelating agent d‐penicillamine in reducing oxidative stress in AD patients. Design Serum levels of copper sampled in AD patients and healthy controls indicate a copper homeostasis imbalance in AD. On this basis, 34 AD patients were enrolled in a 6‐month, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with the copper d‐penicillamine‐chelating agent. Nine patients for each group completed the trial. Oxidative stress, trace metals and clinical parameters were evaluated. Results At the start of the study (t0) total peroxides and copper serum content of AD patients were higher (P