Effect of iron content on GSH levels in the basal ganglia and midbrain in young healthy controls

Motivation: It is important to characterize the relationship between oxidative stress and iron deposition in neurodegenerative diseases. Goal(s): To investigate if there is a correlation between the glutathione (GSH) levels and brain iron in young healthy controls. Approach: Taking advantage of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) with MEscher-Garwood Point RESolved Spectroscopy (MEGA-PRESS) and quantitative susceptibility mapping to detect GSH and iron levels. Results: An intriguing phenomenon was found that as the iron content increased in the putamen, substantia nigra, and red nucleus, the GSH level showed an increasing trend in the basal ganglia and midbrain region respectively. Impact: The relationship between oxidative stress and excessive iron deposition is complicated. This preliminary study offers new insight to investigate the time sequence in iron homeostasis and oxidative stress.