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| ICA Research |
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  Copper
has been the subject of scientific and technical inquiry and experimentation
throughout the ages. Today, a good deal of that research is focused
on copper's role in the health of humans, animals, and plants.
The International Copper Association underwrites extensive original
research to develop a better knowledge base and deeper understanding
of how copper affects ecosystems, human health, and plant and animal
nutrition. ICA's health-inspired research program is specifically
designed to understand the body's copper cycle and to discover early
detection tools and cures for diseases related to the deficiency and
excess of copper.
In implementing our programs, ICA fosters collaborative work among
research centers of excellence all around the world.
Researching Copper's Role in Maintaining Good Health. The essential
role of copper in facilitating bone strength, red and white blood
cell maturation, iron transport, immune defense mechanisms, infant
growth development, and brain development has been known for some
time. Important studies are currently underway regarding the role
of copper in promoting infant health, in reducing the incidence of
osteoporosis, and in healing bone fractures.
An ICA-funded research project conducted in 2000 has heightened sensitivities
regarding the need for proper nourishment in pregnant women. The project
found that treating anemic women in the third trimester of pregnancy
with iron supplements decreases copper absorption in fetuses, causing
copper deficiencies which could potentially adversely affect the health
of newborn children. The study demonstrated the need for integrative
nutrient management and recommended that copper levels should always
be monitored when iron supplements are prescribed by physicians. Since
related research projects are demonstrating that copper requirements
vary with age, health, lifestyle, and other factors, ICA has recommended
that outreach programs be directed to specific sub-segments of the
population.
Ongoing studies by ICA are demonstrating that copper may inhibit the
development of endometrial cancer, since copper was found to block
estrogen receptors involved in the expression of mutations in endometrial
cells. Copper may also play a role in the inhibition of Alzheimer's
Disease, since copper in the brain causes a change in the amyloid
precursor protein responsible for the sticky amyloid, the protein
which leads to this crippling disease.
Researching Cures for Genetic Disease. A lot has been learned
about the mysterious genes associated with Wilson's Disease and Menkes
Disease. Scientists are actively studying how the Wilson's gene controls
normal copper levels in the body. Ongoing work regarding the transport
of copper across the blood/brain barrier will eventually help scientists
to understand the root cause of copper deficiency in Menkes Disease.
ICA's emphasis on the effects of copper deficiency includes understanding
the role of the placenta and the impact of copper deficiency from
conception to birth-when demand for copper is critical to sustain
life.
A team of ICA-sponsored scientists are busy creating 'designer mice.'
The genetic makeup of these mice is altered in a way that researchers
can garner a new perspective about copper deficiency. The research
has been very valuable - as genes can be 'turned off' gradually to
explore varying degrees of deficiency. This work is extremely important
in fostering responsible government regulations pertaining to safe
and appropriate exposure levels for copper.
Our innovative biomarkers program, currently being developed at the
University of California at Berkeley and at the University of Chile,
will have the remarkable power to identify early indications of copper
exposure and adverse health effects. Using a genetic fingerprinting
technique called microarray analysis, this leading-edge science will
someday be used as a rapid screening tool to evaluate the copper status
and vulnerability of newborns. It is hoped that regulators may someday
use biomarker tools to help maintain adequate levels of copper in
drinking water for the benefit of large populations, while enabling
the early intervention for individuals at risk on an as-needed basis.
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