Other divalent cations

The term Other divalent cations refers to a broad category of positively charged metal ions with a valence of +2, excluding the primary physiological ions like calcium and magnesium. This group typically includes trace elements such as zinc (Zn2+), copper (Cu2+), iron (Fe2+), manganese (Mn2+), and cobalt (Co2+), as well as toxic heavy metals like lead (Pb2+) and cadmium (Cd2+). These ions serve as essential cofactors for a vast array of enzymes and transcription factors, playing critical roles in DNA synthesis, antioxidant defense, and cellular signaling. While they are necessary for health in trace amounts, their dysregulation is linked to various pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders. In a pharmacological context, this entry is considered a non-specific grouping rather than a single therapeutic target, often used to describe the binding of chelating agents or the supplementation of mineral deficiencies.

Other names

Divalent metal ionsDivalent cations

Chelation of excess ions or supplementation to restore physiological levels.