Metals and neurodegenerative diseases. A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Neuroscience
• Toxicology

Background:

• Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) like ALS, AD, and PD present diverse pathologies.
• While genetics play a role, gene-environment interactions are key in most cases.
• Metal exposure is a suspected environmental factor contributing to neurodegeneration via oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the association between metal exposure and major neurodegenerative disorders.
• To synthesize evidence regarding the role of metals in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer Disease (AD), and Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on metals and neurodegeneration.
• Analysis of epidemiological, occupational, and ecological studies.
• Examination of case-control studies measuring metal concentrations in biological samples (blood, CSF, hair, nails).

Main Results:

• In vitro and in vivo studies confirm metal-induced neurotoxicity through specific pathways.
• Epidemiological and case-control studies suggest a potential link between certain metals and NDs.
• Conflicting results exist regarding metal concentrations in biological specimens, necessitating further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Metals are plausible contributors to neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.
• Understanding metal-specific neurotoxic pathways is crucial.
• Further research is needed to clarify the complex relationship between metal exposure and neurodegenerative disorders like ALS, AD, and PD.