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Manganese and Human Health: Physiology, Homeostasis and Disease

Fazal Ahmad 1 ,  Sanjay Kumar1 , Kumari Pinki 2, Nazma Shagufa3,Meenakshi Saahu 4

Open AccessPeer ReviewedMultidisciplinary

Abstract

Manganese is an essential trace element required for normal human physiology. Although the body requires only a small amount, manganese participates in several important biological processes, including enzyme activity, mitochondrial antioxidant defense, metabolism, bone physiology and immune regulation. Its biological importance, however, depends strongly on maintaining an appropriate internal concentration. Insufficient manganese availability can interfere with manganese dependent biological processes, whereas excessive accumulation can produce neurological and systemic toxicity. Recent research has expanded our understanding of manganese from a conventional nutritional trace element to a tightly regulated component of cellular physiology. Specialized transport proteins, particularly SLC30A10, SLC39A8 and SLC39A14, contribute to manganese uptake, distribution and elimination. Genetic defects affecting these transporters have provided valuable insight into the mechanisms responsible for manganese deficiency and manganese overload. (PubMed) Manganese also participates in innate immune signaling through the cGAS STING pathway and has attracted increasing interest in cancer immunology, molecular imaging and nanomedicine. At the same time, excessive manganese exposure remains an important environmental and occupational health concern because of its effects on the central nervous system. (PubMed) This review discusses the physiological importance of manganese, its absorption and distribution, cellular transport, antioxidant and immune functions, genetic disorders of manganese metabolism, neurological toxicity and emerging biomedical applications.