The physiological role of copper in humans: implications of deficiency and excess – biochemical characteristics and functional properties of this trace mineral

Copper is a micronutrient that occurs in the body in small concentrations but is essential to its proper functioning. It can be found in almost every cell in the human body. The total copper content in a human body is about 6080 mg. Although its quantity is maintained at a relatively constant level, the concentration of this element depends on the release or accumulation of copper in the organs and tissues concerned. The highest concentrations of Copper are found in the brain and liver; the highest in the central nervous system and in the heart. About 50% of the copper mass is stored in the muscles and muscles of the body (including the liver and liver), and about 15% in the liver, whereas in some cases, it is found in cereal grains, and about 15%, in the intestines, in the stomach and intestines.

Copper performs a number of functions in the body: it is an important element in the elastic and collagen bonds; it is involved in the formation of about 15 proteins in the human body; it also catalyzes protein reactions; in the plasma of copper, it forms complexes such as: with amino acids or ceruloplasmin (ceruloplasmin is a transporter for copper); copper forms cross-linkages in elastin and colllagen; it participates in the neural system to form the membrane of myelin neurons; it's a functional component of many enzymes called copper bonds: it enters the synthetic acid and amino acid sequences. These enzymes may involve long processes in the production of enzymes, and they may be necessary for the metabolism of tissues. It is necessary to participate in the synthesis of cholesterol; it contributes to the metabolic activity of cells; it can lead to excessive metabolism; it has a role in metabolism.

Copper deficiency in humans is rare. Low concentrations of this element are observed in diseases such as Menke's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, bowel resorption disorders, as well as in the case of extracellular feeding, loss of protein in renal syndrome or renal enteropathy.

Excess copper can be toxic and therefore harmful to the body. In the so-called Fenton reaction, free radicals are produced, which can contribute to damage to cell membranes, genetic material, and proteins [6]. An increase in copper concentrations has been observed in: pregnancy, cholestasis, Wilson's disease, along with increased brain inflammation in the case of tumors, chlamydia, liver failure, spinal leukemia.