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Elevated fecal silver, lithium, and platinum in cognitive impairment: A pilot exploration of microbiota-metal

David Mateo1, Marília Cristina Oliveira Souza2, Nerea Carrión3

  • 1Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health (LSTM) - TecnATox, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, Reus, Catalonia 43201, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Avda. Josep Laporte, Reus, Catalonia 43204, Spain.

Neurotoxicology
|January 12, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cognitive impairment (CI) is linked to gut microbiota and metal exposure. This study found higher silver, lithium, and platinum in individuals with CI, suggesting metal-neurodegeneration interactions. Further research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Cognitive impairment (CI), including amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), is associated with gut microbiota (GMB) and metal exposure.
  • Research integrating GMB, metal exposure, and CI is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if metal exposure influences the link between GMB composition and clinical outcomes in individuals with CI.
  • To explore potential interactions between gut microbes, metals, and cognitive decline.

Main Methods:

  • Collected stool samples from aMCI (n=12), AD (n=18), and healthy controls (HC, n=30).
  • Assessed gut microbial diversity via shotgun sequencing and quantified 25 metals using ICP-MS.
  • Conducted cognitive, neuropsychological, and functional assessments.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in gut microbial richness or diversity (alpha and beta) were found between CI and HC groups.
  • Microbial diversity measures did not correlate with cognitive outcomes.
  • Participants with aMCI and AD showed significantly higher fecal concentrations of silver (Ag), lithium (Li), and platinum (Pt) compared to HC (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated fecal Ag, Li, and Pt levels in individuals with CI suggest potential interactions between trace metals and neurodegenerative processes.
  • While overall microbial diversity was similar, these findings highlight the need for larger, longitudinal studies.
  • Further research is crucial to understand the complex interplay of gut microbiota, metal homeostasis, and cognitive decline.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseCognitive impairmentGut microbiotaLithiumMetalsPlatinumSilver

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