Mechanisms of Fluoride Toxicity: From Enzymes to Underlying Integrative Networks

Abstract

Fluoride has been employed in laboratory investigations since the early 20th century. These studies opened the understanding of fluoride interventions to fundamental biological processes. Millions of people living in endemic fluorosis areas suffer from various pathological disturbances. The practice of community water fluoridation used prophylactically against dental caries increased concern of adverse fluoride effects. We assessed the publications on fluoride toxicity until June 2020. We present evidence that fluoride is an enzymatic poison, inducing oxidative stress, hormonal disruptions, and neurotoxicity. Fluoride in synergy with aluminum acts as a false signal in G protein cascades of hormonal and neuronal regulations in much lower concentrations than fluoride acting alone. Our review shows the impact of fluoride on human health. We suggest focusing the research on fluoride toxicity to the underlying integrative networks. Ignorance of the pluripotent toxic effects of fluoride might contribute to unexpected epidemics in the future.

Expression of the Melatonin-Associated Genes in Fibroblasts That Have Been Co-Exposed to Fluoride and a Moderate-Strength Static Magnetic Field

“…Fluoride easily penetrates cell membranes due to their properties and thus affects cell functioning. Among the toxic results of fluoride action at the cellular level, oxidative stress induction, organelle damage, apoptosis, essential protein inhibition, and changes in enzyme activity can be mentioned [1][2][3]. As has been shown in previous reports, fluoride also affects melatonin production, which can have various consequences for human health.…”

Chemical Aspects of Human and Environmental Overload with Fluorine

“…27 More recent studies uncovered that fluoride can cause numerous other health problems, such as impaired thyroid and endocrine system function or developmental neurotoxicity. 28 It is quite unnerving that aluminum(III) fluorocomplexes can activate G-protein-coupled receptors at much lower concentrations than either Al 3+ or F – acting alone. 29 Important sources of fluoride pollution are the aluminum industry and phosphate fertilizers.…”

Benzothiazole‐based chemosensor: a quick dip into its anion sensing mechanism

“…[ 2 ] The drinking water contamination by fluoride anion is a major issue, because it is directly connected with the human health. [ 3–5 ] Moreover, the fluoride anion is found in the waste organic liquor and pesticides. [ 5–8 ] Therefore, the recognition of fluoride in organic media has also obtained considerable attention of scientific community.…”