The toxic metal hypothesis for neurological disorders

• DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1173779
• Publication Date: 2023-06-24T20:35:49Z
• Authors: Roger Pamphlett; David P. Bishop
• Keywords: Locus Ceruleus; Toxicant; Neurotoxicity; Genetic predisposition

Multiple sclerosis and the major sporadic neurogenerative disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease are considered to have both genetic environmental components. Advances been made in finding predispositions these but it has difficult pin down agents that trigger them. Environmental toxic metals implicated neurological since human exposure is common from anthropogenic natural sources, damaging properties suspected underlie many of disorders. Questions remain, however, as how enter nervous system, if one or combinations sufficient precipitate metal results different patterns neuronal white matter loss. The hypothesis presented here damage selective locus ceruleus neurons causes dysfunction blood-brain barrier. This allows circulating toxicants astrocytes, where they transferred to, damage, oligodendrocytes, neurons. type disorder arises depends on (i) which damaged, (ii) variants give rise susceptibility uptake, cytotoxicity, clearance, (iii) age, frequency, duration toxicant exposure, (iv) uptake various mixtures metals. Evidence supporting this presented, concentrating studies examined distribution system. Clinicopathological features shared between disorders listed can be linked Details provided applies multiple neurodegenerative Further avenues explore for suggested. In conclusion, may play a part several While further evidence support needed, protect system would prudent take steps reduce pollution industrial, mining, manufacturing burning fossil fuels.