Page 240 - The Miracle in the Cell Membrane

The Miracle in the Cell Membrane

Research shows that copper deficiency raises the lev-
els of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
in the plasma, and also lowers HDL-cholesterol (good
cholesterol) levels, thus increasing the risks of heart
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attack. Irregularities in copper metabolism play the
leading role in Wilson's and Menkes' diseases. Both these
genetic diseases occur because of defects in the copper-
transporting proteins. The special channels that permit
copper ions to pass through the cell membrane are dam-
aged, leading to a fall in copper levels in the liver and
brain, and to their rise in the intestines and kidneys. This
causes Menkes' disease, resulting in mental retardation
and death before the age of three.
A lack of copper also manifests itself in the form of
delayed healing of wounds, leg ulcers and mouth lesions,

François Despartes (1661-1746)

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