Abstract:
In the developing countries like Pakistan, people are exposed to heavy and neurotoxic metals. Exposure to neurotoxic metals has various detrimental effects on human health, including the development of cognitive impairment through the disruption of underlying cellular and molecular pathways. There are limited studies explaining the specific underlying pathological mechanisms of metals induced neurotoxicity. We studied neurotoxic mechanisms of various metals (specifically Aluminum in detail) and found that metals neurotoxicity affects cholinergic system, and other neurotransmitter systems and further the effects were manifested at the network level when studied through hippocampal slice electrophysiology. Subsequently when metals treated animals were studied for cognitive functions, impaired spatial and emotional memories and higher anxiety levels were seen in these animals. Hippocampus was found to be the most affected brain part after Al intoxication in our studies. Furthermore, we did human subjects’ studies and found an association between the “concentration of heavy metals in blood” with the “extent of cognitive impairment” in human subjects. In conclusion, we reported that Al and Cu are strongly associated with cognitive impairment. It is recommended that there is a need for decreased metals exposure to humans from the environment, industrial wastes, food and drinking water.
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DOI:
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Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on 9th Annual Neuroscience Conference (ANC-23) August 12-13, 2023 , Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023