Disruption of Neurosynaptic Physiology and Neuron Network Dysfunction in Brain Disorders: An Environmental and Occupational Health Perspective

Abstract

Networks of signaling cascades regulate synaptic transmission and morphology. Signaling molecules and their dynamics are subject to impact of environmental insults as well as genes predisposing to disease risks. Pollutants may impact brain through cellular, molecular and inflammatory pathways, causing direct damage or predisposing to damage by other insults, leading to diseases. Disruptions in structure and function of neurotransmission elements and protein networks contribute to pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases. Different affected brain regions and/or synaptic connections between excitatory and inhibitory neurons charecterise specific clinical states. Functional identification of synaptic signaling networks and specific neuronal pathways would facilitate understanding of specific pathomechanisms relevant to preventive and corrective interventions. Physiology of neural networks and pathogenesis, therapeutics and prevention of diseases arising of their disruption, specially with environmental afflictions, deserve holistic and not fragmentary understanding. Present article attempts to present such diverse information with possible coherence to emphasize necessary address in contemporary medical teaching and continuing education for young researchers. The mounting challenge of prevention and management of pollution inflicted disruption of neurophysiology associated with brain dysfunction and diseases in contemporary world may be better addressed by integrated interdisciplinary understanding of the problems.