Exposure of metal toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease: An extensive review

Abstract

Metals serve important roles in the human body, including the maintenance of cell structure and the regulation of gene expression, the antioxidant response, and neurotransmission. High metal uptake in the nervous system is harmful because it can cause oxidative stress, disrupt mitochondrial function, and impair the activity of various enzymes. Metal accumulation can cause lifelong deterioration, including severe neurological problems. There is a strong association between accidental metal exposure and various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia that causes degeneration in the aged. Chronic exposure to various metals is a well-known environmental risk factor that has become more widespread due to the rapid pace at which human activities are releasing large amounts of metals into the environment. Consequently, humans are exposed to both biometals and heavy metals, affecting metal homeostasis at molecular and biological levels. This review highlights how these metals affect brain physiology and immunity and their roles in creating harmful proteins such as β-amyloid and tau in AD. In addition, we address findings that confirm the disruption of immune-related pathways as a significant toxicity mechanism through which metals may contribute to AD.

Zebrafish as a Potential Model for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Focus on Toxic Metals Implications

“…Several studies support the link between Cd, Hg, and Pb exposure and neurodegenerative disorders [ 32 , 33 ]. Scientists observed in various experiments that in cellular and animal model systems, heavy metals, including Cd, Hg, and Pb, contribute to the pathologies of AD and PD [ 32 ].…”

Copper: From enigma to therapeutic target for neurological disorder

“…Among all bio-metal, Cu is wieldy explored and considered as a risk factor for AD. 41 Epidemiological studies also suggest the role of Cu in the AD epidemic in developed countries. Elevated Cu levels in the CSF and brain of patients with AD also boost the bio-metal dyshomeostasis hypothesis.…”

“…Abnormal bio‐metal could be a major contributing factor in the development and progression of AD. Among all bio‐metal, Cu is wieldy explored and considered as a risk factor for AD 41 . Epidemiological studies also suggest the role of Cu in the AD epidemic in developed countries.…”

The Metallic Mysteries: Deciphering Their Contribution to Alzheimer’s Pathogenesis

“…By keeping calcium from exiting mitochondria, it also interferes with energy metabolism by producing reactive oxygen species, causing mitochondria to "self-destruct," and ultimately leading to neuronal death. [37,38] Mercury • Sources of mercury Most commonly found in plant, animal, and earth tissues.…”

“…Unintentional metal exposure has been linked to several neuro-decadence illnesses, including Alzheimer's disorder (AD), an almost prevalent kind of insanity that causes agerelated deterioration. [1] Progressive cognitive impairment is an assay mark of Alzheimer's disorder, the neuro-decadence condition that affects the elderly the most and is the lead cause of insanity. Among the most important health problems of the 21 st century, AD is becoming more and more commonplace…”