Aluminium and lead: molecular mechanisms of brain toxicity

Abstract

The fact that aluminium (Al) and lead (Pb) are both toxic metals to living organisms, including human beings, was discovered a long time ago. Even when Al and Pb can reach and accumulate in almost every organ in the human body, the central nervous system is a particular target of the deleterious effects of both metals. Select human population can be at risk of Al neurotoxicity, and Al is proposed to be involved in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Pb is a widespread environmental hazard, and the neurotoxic effects of Pb are a major public health concern. In spite of the numerous efforts and the accumulating evidence in this area of research, the mechanisms of Al and Pb neurotoxicity are still not completely elucidated. This review will particularly address the involvement of oxidative stress, membrane biophysics alterations, deregulation of cell signaling, and the impairment of neurotransmission as key aspects involved Al and Pb neurotoxicity.

Tetrahydroxy stilbene glucoside reduces the cognitive impairment and overexpression of amyloid precursor protein induced by aluminum exposure

“…Among the relevant factors, metal ions could aggravate the course of AD [14] . Al ion exposure could cause conformational change of Aβ [15,16] .…”

“…Briefly, the dried root of Radix Polygonum Multiflorum (16 kg) was roughly grounded and refluxed with ethanol twice (each lasted for 1 h). The ethanol extracts were filtered and lyophilized to form powder TSG [14] .…”

Protective Effects of Açai in Combination with Vitamin C against Aluminum-Induced Toxicity in Rat Liver

“…Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals in the earth's crust (Verstraeten et al, 2008), and is found in its ionic form in animal and plant tissues while, in nature it is found in combination with other elements such as oxygen, sulfate, chloride and other elements because of it is high reactivity (ATSDR, 2007). Humans are exposed to aluminum compounds from various sources as aluminum found in many food additives, toothpaste, medicines (such as aspirin), cheese, tea, cosmetics, drinking water, various household cookware and storage utensils; in addition aluminum is used to construct roofing and for many other industrial activities (Proudfoot, 2009).…”

Effect of combined exposure to lead and decabromodiphenyl ether on neurodevelopment of zebrafish larvae

“…Pb exposure also causes generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in impairment of neurotransmission in animals (Verstraeten et al, 2008). The exposure of fish and wildlife in e-waste recycling areas to harmful toxicants, such as Pb and BDE-209, is a critical issue, and concomitant exposure to multiple toxicants may have exacerbated detrimental effects.…”