Aluminum enhances inflammation and decreases mucosal healing in experimental colitis in mice

Abstract

The increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in developing countries has highlighted the critical role of environmental pollutants as causative factors in their pathophysiology. Despite its ubiquity and immune toxicity, the impact of aluminum in the gut is not known. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmentally relevant intoxication with aluminum in murine models of colitis and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Oral administration of aluminum worsened intestinal inflammation in mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid- and dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis and chronic colitis in interleukin 10-negative (IL10−/−) mice. Aluminum increased the intensity and duration of macroscopic and histologic inflammation, colonic myeloperoxidase activity, inflammatory cytokines expression, and decreased the epithelial cell renewal compared with control animals. Under basal conditions, aluminum impaired intestinal barrier function. In vitro, aluminum induced granuloma formation and synergized with lipopolysaccharide to stimulate inflammatory cytokines expression by epithelial cells. Deleterious effects of aluminum on intestinal inflammation and mucosal repair strongly suggest that aluminum might be an environmental IBD risk factor.

Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM639 in Protecting against Aluminum Toxicity Mediated by Intestinal Barrier Function and Oxidative Stress

“…The principal exposure route to Al for humans is through food, water and beverages [2]. The mean levels of Al exposure via this route range from 0.2 to 1.5 mg/kg of body weight (bw) weekly in Europe and 1.3 mg/kg·bw/week for adults and 3.3 mg/kg·bw/week for children in China [3].…”

Metals Content in Herbal Supplements

“…Regarding Mn present in the samples here evaluated, concentrations were above that recommended for daily consumption [38,39,54] (Table 3). In comparison to the study realized by Okem et al [51] evaluating commercial herbs in South Africa, the Mn concentrations in this present study, were higher than those reported.…”

“…These data are similar the three highest concentrations identified in the dried samples currently analyzed. Although iron is an essential metal for plants and animals, elevated levels are not beneficial and considered air pollution [54], and it has been reported as accumulation metal in plants evaluated in Macedonia (515 mg.kg -1 ). Considering Mn, Maharia et al [56], registered in herbal products concentration of 601.0 mg kg −1 .…”

Risk Factors in Induction and Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease: Impacton Protection and Disease-Modifying Factors

“…The impact of Aluminum (Al) on neural tissues is well known [10]. It has been implicated in many aging related changes as well as in neurodegenerative diseases.…”