Low levels of aluminum can lead to behavioral and morphological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease and age-related neurodegeneration

Enhancing pollutants removal in hospital wastewater: Comparative analysis of PAC coagulation vs. bio-contact oxidation, highlighting the impact of outdated treatment plants

While the effectiveness of Poly-Aluminum Chloride (PAC) coagulation for pollutant removal has been documented across various wastewater scenarios, its specific application in hospital wastewater (HWW) treatment to remove conventional pollutants and hazardous genetic pollutants has not been studied. The research compared three hospital wastewater treatment plants (HWTPs) to address a knowledge gap, including the PAC coagulation-sodium hypochlorite disinfection process (PAC-HWTP), the biological contact oxidation-precipitation-sodium hypochlorite process (BCO-HWTP), and a system using outdated equipment with PAC coagulation (ODE-PAC-HWTP). Effluent compliance with national discharge standards is assessed, with BCO-HWTP meeting standards for direct or indirect discharge into natural aquatic environments. ODE-PAC-HWTP exceeds pretreatment standards for COD and BOD5 concentrations. PAC-HWTP effluent largely adheres to national pretreatment standards, enabling release into municipal sewers for further treatment. Metagenomic analysis reveals that PAC-HWTP exhibits higher removal efficiencies for antibiotic resistance genes, metal resistance genes, mobile genetic elements, and pathogens compared to BCO-HWTP and ODE-PAC-HWTP, achieving average removal rates of 45.13%, 57.54%, 80.61%, and 72.17%, respectively. These results suggests that when discharging treated HWW into municipal sewers for further processing, the use of PAC coagulation process is more feasible and cost-effective compared to BCO technologies. The analysis emphasizes the urgent need to upgrade outdated equipment HWTPs.

Environmental Toxins and Alzheimer's Disease: a Comprehensive Analysis of Pathogenic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Modulation

Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Inorganic and organic hazards, susceptibility to harmful metals, pesticides, agrochemicals, and air pollution are major environmental concerns. As merely 5% of AD cases are directly inherited indicating that these environmental factors play a major role in disease development. Long-term exposure to environmental toxins is believed to progress neuropathology, which leads to the development of AD. Numerous in-vitro and in-vivo studies have suggested the harmful impact of environmental toxins at cellular and molecular level. Common mechanisms involved in the toxicity of these environmental pollutants include oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal tau, and APP processing. Increased expression of GSK-3β, BACE-1, TNF-α, and pro-apoptotic molecules like caspases is observed upon exposure to these environmental toxins. In addition, the expression of neurotrophins like BDNF and GAP-43 have been found to be reduced as a result of toxicity. Further, modulation of signaling pathways involving PARP-1, PGC-1α, and MAPK/ERK induced by toxins have been reported to contribute in AD pathogenesis. These pathways are a promising target for developing novel AD therapeutics. Drugs like epigallocatechin-gallate, neflamapimod, salsalate, dexmedetomidine, and atabecestat are in different phases of clinical trials targeting the pathways for possible treatment of AD. This review aims to culminate the correlation between environmental toxicants and AD development. We emphasized upon the signaling pathways involved in the progression of the disease and the therapeutics under clinical trial targeting the altered pathways for possible treatment of AD.

Monthly variation of fatty acids, lipid quality index and metal content of Pontastacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823) in Atikhisar Dam Lake (Çanakkale, Türkiye)

This study aims to investigate the metal content, fatty acid composition, lipid quality, and potential health risks of Pontastacus leptodactylus crayfish inhabiting Atikhisar Dam Lake. The research covers a 12-month period and includes both male and female individuals. The study investigated the metal content of crayfish specimens. In female individuals, the metal concentrations were ranked as Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Mn > Se > As > Hg > Cd > Pb, while in male individuals, the ranking was Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Mn > Se > As > Hg > Pb > Cd. The results demonstrate that Atherogenicity Index (AI) values for both genders range between 0.21 and 0.31, and Thrombogenicity Index (TI) values fall within 0.14 and 0.20. This indicates that crayfish meat is composed of healthy and high-quality fatty acids. In male individuals, omega-3 values range from 25.28 ± 0.380% to 28.34 ± 0.430%, and in female individuals, they vary from 22.98 ± 0.195% to 28.73 ± 0.871%. These findings underscore the absence of significant health risks associated with mercury levels in crayfish meat. Monthly meal calculations reveal that consuming female crayfish at an average of 4.35 servings per month for adults and 2.24 servings per month for children presents no health hazards. Similarly, the consumption of crayfish meat at an average of 5.29 servings per month for adult males and 2.72 servings per month for male children is deemed safe for health. Based on these results, the lipid quality of both male and female individuals from this species is found to be beneficial, as confirmed by risk-benefit assessments.

LNC000152 Mediates Aluminum-Induced Proliferation of Reactive Astrocytes

Aluminum is a metal element with significant neurotoxicity, and there is a substantial correlation between aluminum exposure and cognitive dysfunction. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is widely used as a marker of reactive astrocyte proliferation in response to pathological injury of the central nervous system. Studies of various neurodegenerative diseases have confirmed that the expression changes in GFAP are associated with nerve injury. We investigated the role of LNC000152 in the aluminum-induced reactive proliferation of astrocytes. By establishing two aluminum-exposed cell models of rat primary astrocytes and CTX-TNA2 cell lines, we examined the expression of LNC000152 and GFAP and detected cell proliferation with EdU and cell cycle changes with flow cytometry. The role of aluminum in promoting glial cell proliferation was verified; the expression levels of LNC000152 and GFAP increased with the concentration of aluminum exposure. Intervention of LNC000152 expression by siRNA technology revealed that LNC000152 affected glial cell responsive proliferation by influencing GFAP expression. These results suggest that LNC000152 plays a role in the reactive proliferation of astrocytes induced by aluminum.

Regulation of three subtypes of SOD gene in Aleuroglyphus ovatus (Acari:Acaridae) under lead stress

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important enzyme that acts as the first line of protection in the mite antioxidant defense system, involved in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) under harsh environmental conditions. Nevertheless, the SOD gene family was yet to be reported in stored grain pest mite (Aleuroglyphus ovatus). In this study, A. ovatus was used to evaluate the response of SOD gene during lead stress. A. ovatus were separately exposed to different concentration lead (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg), which induce the dynamic trend of SOD enzyme activity initially increased and then reduced with an increase in lead concentration, whereas they were still substantially higher than the control group. Moreover, after lead stress, it was found that all of the three SOD genes showed enhanced relative messenger RNA expression at high concentrations and decreased relative expression at low concentrations, which indicated that lead stress induces the expression of AoSODs. The present work implies that AoSODs play an important role in resisting oxidative damage caused by lead stress.

Toxic Effects of Two Redox States of Thallium on Immortalised Hypothalamic GT1-7 Neuronal Cells

Thallium (Tl), is a highly toxic heavy metal that exists in monovalent (Tl(I)) and trivalent (Tl(III)) ionic states. This study aimed to compare the toxicities of Tl(I) and Tl(III) in a mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 neuronal cell line. Decreased viability and increased cytotoxicity were observed in the GT1-7 cells 16 h after Tl(I) or Tl(III) treatment. Tl(III) was more cytotoxic, than Tl(I), as indicated by extracellular lactate dehydrogenase levels. Both treatments induced caspase 3 activity, DNA fragmentation, malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and superoxide dismutase activity in the cells. MDA production was higher after Tl(III) than after Tl(I) treatment. Moreover, co-treatment with antioxidants, such as mannitol, ascorbic acid, or tocopherol, significantly attenuated the Tl-induced decrease in GT1-7 cell numbers. Therefore, both treatments induced oxidative stress-related apoptosis. Furthermore, Tl(III) reduced the cell viability more subtly than Tl(I) after 1 and 3 h of treatment. This effect was enhanced by co-treatment with maltol or citric acid, which promoted the influx of metallic elements into the cells. Thus, Tl(III) entered GT1-7 cells later than Tl(I) and had a delayed onset of toxicity. However, Tl(III) likely produces more extracellular lipid peroxides, which may explain its stronger cytotoxicity.

Ameliorative Effect of Palm Oil in Aluminum Lactate Induced Biochemical and Histological Implications in Rat Brain

α-Tocotrienol is one of the major constituents of palm oil. It is a well-known antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering neuroprotectant. To prevent the initiation of Alzheimer's like symptoms, much attention has been shifted to the major role played by antioxidants. Previous epidemiological reports correlate the increasing incidence of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), to the aluminum (Al) content in drinking water. Al, being a ubiquitous element, has a long history of being particularly reactive towards multiple aspects of neurobiology. So, the current study examines the effect of Al-induced behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological changes in rat brain; and the ameliorative effect of palm oil in reducing the resulting neurotoxicity. The experimental design consisted of 4 groups: control group which received rodent chow diet and water ad libitum; Al group received aluminum lactate (50 mg/kg bw); Al + palm oil group was administered with Al (50 mg/kg bw) and palm oil (60 mg/kg bw); and palm oil group received palm oil (60 mg/kg bw). Al was given by oral gavage once daily for 6 weeks and palm oil was administered intraperitoneally. After 6 weeks of supplementation, Al + palm oil group showed significantly lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, but higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), GST, and GPx activity as compared to Al group. Al group has significantly higher level of MDA content, but lower SOD, CAT, GST, and GPx activity as compared to control group. In conclusion, this study suggested that palm oil was effective in preventing the Al-induced brain damage in rats.

Synthesis and Degradation of Poly(ADP-ribose) in Zebrafish Brain Exposed to Aluminum

Poly(ADPribosyl)ation is a post-translational protein modification, catalyzed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARPs) enzymes, responsible for ADP-ribose polymer synthesis (PAR) from NAD⁺. PAR turnover is assured by poly(ADPR) glycohydrolase (PARGs) enzymes. In our previous study, the altered histology of zebrafish brain tissue, resulting in demyelination and neurodegeneration also with poly(ADPribosyl)ation hyperactivation, was demonstrated after aluminum (Al) exposure for 10 and 15 days. On the basis of this evidence, the aim of the present research was to study the synthesis and degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) in the brain of adult zebrafish exposed to 11 mg/L of Al for 10, 15, and 20 days. For this reason, PARP and PARG expression analyses were carried out, and ADPR polymers were synthesized and digested. The data showed the presence of different PARP isoforms, among which a human PARP1 counterpart was also expressed. Moreover, the highest PARP and PARG activity levels, responsible for the PAR production and its degradation, respectively, were measured after 10 and 15 days of exposure. We suppose that PARP activation is related to DNA damage induced by Al, while PARG activation is needed to avoid PAR accumulation, which is known to inhibit PARP and promote parthanatos. On the contrary, PARP activity decrease at longer exposure times suggests that neuronal cells could adopt the stratagem of reducing polymer synthesis to avoid energy expenditure and allow cell survival.

Role of aluminum exposure on Alzheimer's disease and related glycogen synthase kinase pathway

Aluminum (Al) is an environmentally abundant metal that is not essential for life. There is considerable evidence that Al as a neurotoxic xenobiotic may play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Exposure to aluminum has been shown to cause neuronal damage that resembles the symptoms of AD. In this review, we will summarize recent data about Al as the possible risk of incidence of AD. Then glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) contributes to the hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein, the main component of neurofibrillary tangles, one of the hallmarks of AD as one of the mechanisms behind Al neurotoxicity will be covered. Overall, there is still a need for epidemiological studies and more in vivo and in vitro studies to determine the exact mechanisms of its neurotoxicity and the role of GSK3β in both Al toxic effect and AD.

Interaction between aluminum exposure and ApoEε4 gene on cognitive function of in-service workers

The occurrence and development of cognitive impairment, the early stage of AD, may be affected both by factors of environmental (aluminum exposure) and genetic (ApoEε4 gene). But whether there is an interaction between the two factors on cognitive function is still unknown. To explore the interaction between the two factors on cognitive function of in-service workers. A total of 1121 in-service workers in a large aluminum factory were investigated in Shanxi Province. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), the clock-drawing test (CDT), the Digit Span Test (DST, including DSFT and DSBT), the fuld object memory evaluation (FOM), and the verbal fluency task (VFT). The plasma-Al (p-Al) concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as an internal exposure indicator, and the participants were divided into four Al exposure groups according to the quartile of p-Al concentrations, namely Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. ApoE genotype was determined by Ligase Detection Reaction (LDR). The multiplicative model was fitted using non-conditional logistic regression and additive model was fitted using crossover analysis to analyze the interaction between p-Al concentrations and the ApoEε4 gene. Finally, a dose-response relationship between p-Al concentrations and cognitive impairment was observed, with the p-Al concentrations increased, cognitive function performance gradually becomes worse (P_trend＜0.05), and the risk of cognitive impairment gradually increases (P_trend＜0.05), mainly in executive/visuospatial impairment, auditory memory impairment (particularly the working memory impairment). And ApoEε4 gene may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment, while no association between the ApoEε2 gene and cognitive impairment is observed. Additionally, an additive but no multiplicative interaction between p-Al concentrations and ApoEε4 gene is observed, and when the two factors work together, the risk of cognitive impairment further increased, of which 44.2% can be attributed to the interaction effect.

Effect of Rosa damascena Extract on Rat Model Alzheimer's Disease: A Histopathological, Behavioral, Enzyme Activities, and Oxidative Stress Study

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the effect of aquatic Rosa damascena extract against the oxidative damage induced by aluminum chloride intoxication in Alzheimer's model of Wister rats. Rats were divided randomly into seven groups (n = 10). Control group received no treatment, sham group received distilled water orally, aluminum group (AL) was administered AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) orally, extract 1 and 2 groups were treated with only aqueous R. damascena extract (DRE) (500 and 1000 mg/kg), and treatment 1 and 2 groups received aqueous R. damascena extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) and AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) orally. The brain tissues were sampled for histopathological examination, and biochemical analysis was conducted for estimating the enzyme activities of acetylcholinesterase and catalase (CAT), the levels of GSH and MDA, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. According to the results of behavioral tests, AL administration showed a reduction in spatial memory and remarkably increased the time needed for reaching the invisible platform. The administration of Al-induced oxidative stress and an increase of the enzyme activity of AChE. Al administration increased AChE level from 1.176 ± 0.173 to 3.62 ± 0.348, which was a significant rise. However, treating with the extract at the dose of 1000 mg/kg downregulated it to 1.56 ± 0.303. Administration of the R. damascene extract caused an increased level of catalase and glutathione levels in treatment groups, attenuated MDA level, and regulated AChE activity. Our results illustrate that administration of R. damascene extract has a protective effect against the oxidative damage induced by AlCl3 intoxication in Alzheimer's model.

Metal exposures from source materials for artisanal aluminum cookware

Artisanal aluminum cookware releases lead and other metals that pose significant health risk for people in low and middle-income countries. Cookware is made from recycled engine and electronic appliance parts, cans, and other materials. We obtained fourteen custom-made pots from Ghana, produced from seven different scrap aluminum sources. We sought to determine whether avoiding certain source materials could reduce leaching of metals. Cooking was simulated using dilute acetic acid and palm oil. Aluminum released from all pots exceeded recommended guidelines. Variable amounts of lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel and other metals were leached, with the most lead coming from auto radiators and mixed metals. Pots made from engine blocks did not yield detectable amounts of lead. All pots released potentially harmful concentrations of two or more metals. Selective scrap aluminum sourcing for recycled cookware does not avoid metal contamination of food, although some sources may release lower concentrations of certain metals.

Enhanced flocculation of aluminum oxide particles by lignin-based flocculants in dual polymer systems

Lignin is an abundant phenolic polymer produced vastly in pulping processes that could be further valorized. In this work, anionic (AKLs) and cationic (CKLs) lignin-based polymers were made by polymerizing kraft lignin (KL) with acrylic acid (AA) or [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethyl-ammonium chloride (METAC), respectively. In the polymerization reactions, various molar ratios of AA or METAC to KL were applied to produce AKLs and CKLs with different characteristics. The produced AKLs and CKLs were used in single and dual systems to flocculate aluminum oxide in suspension. To assess the interaction of these lignin-based polymers with the aluminum oxide particles; the zeta potential, adsorption, and flocculation of the colloidal systems were evaluated comprehensively. The flocculation performance of the lignin-derived polymers was compared with that of the homopolymers of AA and METAC (PAA and PMETAC) and commercially used flocculants. In single polymer systems, among the anionic synthesized polymers and homopolymers, KL-A4 (an AKL) was the best flocculant for the aluminum oxide suspensions owing to its largest molecular weight (330 × 10³ g/mol) and highest charge density (-4.2 mmol/g). Remarkably, when KL-A4 and KL-C4 (the CKL with the highest molecular weight and charge density) were used subsequently in a dual polymer system, a larger adsorbed mass and a more viscous adlayer were formed than those of single polymer systems on the surface of aluminum oxide particles. The synergy between KL-A4 and KL-C4 was even stronger than that between homopolymers, which led to more significant adsorption on the aluminum oxide surface and, consequently, more efficient flocculation, producing larger (22 μm) and stronger flocs, regardless of the agitation intensity used in the systems.

Exposure to tolerable concentrations of aluminum triggers systemic and local oxidative stress and global proteomic modulation in the spinal cord of rats

The tolerable aluminum (Al) intake levels for humans are constantly under review by regulatory agencies due to novel pre-clinical evidence on the neurotoxicity of prolonged Al exposure; however, little is known about the effects of Al on the spinal cord. This study aimed to investigate potential adverse effects on both spinal cord and systemic biochemical balance after prolonged exposure to a low dose of Al. Twenty adult rats were distributed in the control (distilled water) and exposed group (8.3 mg of AlCl₃/kg/day). After 60 days, both blood and spinal cord samples were collected for oxidative stress and proteomic analyses. In plasma and erythrocytes, glutathione level was not different between groups; however, exposure to AlCl₃ significantly decreased glutathione level in the spinal cord. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels in the plasma and spinal cord of animals from the control group were significantly lower than those animals exposed to AlCl₃. Exposure to AlCl₃ significantly modulated the expression of proteins associated with the cell cycle, stimulus-response, cytoskeleton, nervous system regulation, protein activity, and synaptic signaling. Therefore, prolonged exposure to a low dose of Al triggered oxidative stress and proteomic changes that may affect spinal cord homeostasis.

Urinary aluminium and its association with autism spectrum disorder in urban preschool children in Malaysia

Background

The presence of aluminium (Al) in the human body may impact brain neurodevelopment and function, and it is thought to contribute to autism spectrum disease (ASD). The main objective of this study was to assess the association between urinary Al and the development of ASD among Malaysian preschool children in the urban city of Kuala Lumpur.

Method

This was an unmatched case-control study in which children with ASD were recruited from an autism early intervention center and typically developed (TD) children were recruited from government-run nurseries and preschools. Urine samples were collected at home, assembled temporarily at study locations, and transported to the laboratory within 24 h. The Al concentration in the children's urine samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Result

A total of 155 preschool children; 81 ASD children and 74 TD children, aged 3 to 6 years, were enlisted in the study. This study demonstrated that ASD children had significantly higher urinary Al levels than TD children (median (interquartile range (IQR): 2.89 (6.77) µg/dL versus 0.96 (2.95) µg/dL) (p < 0.001). Higher parental education level, non-Malay ethnicity, male gender, and higher urinary Al level were the significant ASD risk factors (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) >1, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A higher urine Al level was discovered to be a significant risk factor for ASD among preschool children in the urban area of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Heavy metal levels in milk and dairy products and health risk assessment: A systematic review of studies in China

Previous studies have indicated that heavy metal levels in milk vary partly depending on environmental metal concentrations. Given the increasing consumption of milk in China, it is essential to pay attention to milk safety. We performed a systematic review of relevant published studies to evaluate the heavy metal levels in milk and dairy products and the associated health risks, discuss environmental sources of heavy metals, and propose future research directions. A literature search was implemented in the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed using multiple keywords such as "metal," "milk," "dairy products," and "China". A total of 16 published studies that analyzed metal levels in milk and dairy products in 20 provincial administrative regions were included. Most studies detected toxic heavy metals in milk and dairy products samples, including mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic. The lead concentration in milk from these studies did not exceed the Chinese standard for milk. However, three studies detected relatively high lead levels in both commercial and raw milk, exceeding the European Commission standard. The polluted environment surrounding the farm, feed, and packaging materials are likely sources of metals in milk and dairy products. The hazard index for the 11 analyzed metal elements in milk and dairy products was lower than 1, indicating negligible non-carcinogenic health risks from exposure to these metals. Children are at a higher risk than adults. This review illustrates that research in this field is limited to China. More research should be conducted in the future, such as evaluating the contribution of each environmental source of metal in milk and dairy products.

Dietary Egg White Hydrolysate Prevents Male Reproductive Dysfunction after Long-Term Exposure to Aluminum in Rats

Aluminum (Al) is a non-essential metal omnipresent in human life and is considered an environmental toxicant. Al increases reactive oxygen production and triggers immune responses, contributing to chronic systemic inflammation development. Here, we have tested whether an egg white hydrolysate (EWH) with potential bioactive properties can protect against changes in reproductive function in rats exposed to long-term Al dietary levels at high and low doses. Male Wistar rats received orally: low aluminum level group-AlCl₃ at 8.3 mg/kg b.w. for 60 days with or without EWH (1 g/kg/day); high aluminum level group-AlCl₃ at 100 mg/kg b.w. for 42 days with or without EWH (1 g/kg/day). The co-administration of EWH prevented the increased Al deposition surrounding the germinative cells, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the reproductive organs. Furthermore, the daily supplementation with EWH maintained sperm production and sperm quality similar to those found in control animals, even after Al exposure at a high dietary contamination level. Altogether, our results suggest that EWH could be used as a protective agent against impairment in the reproductive system produced after long-term exposure to Al at low or high human dietary levels.

Aluminium exposure leads to neurodegeneration and alters the expression of marker genes involved to parkinsonism in zebrafish brain

Aluminium, despite being extremely widespread in the world, is a non-essential metal to human metabolism. This metal is known to have toxic effects on a variety of organs including the brain and is considered an etiological factor in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms by which aluminium exerts neurotoxic effects are not yet completely understood. Zebrafish is an animal model also used to study neurodegenerative diseases since the overall anatomical organization of the central nervous system is relatively conserved and similar to mammals. Adult zebrafish were exposed to 11 mg/L of Al for 10, 15, and 20 days and the neurotoxic effects of aluminium were analysed by histological, biochemical, and molecular evaluations. Histological stainings allowed to evaluation of the morphology of the brain parenchyma, the alteration of myelin and the activation of neurodegenerative processes. The expression of the Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, a marker of glial cells, was evaluated to observe the quantitative alteration of this important protein for the nervous system. In addition, the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity was measured to verify a possible oxidative DNA damage caused by exposure to this metal. Finally, the evaluation of the markers involved in Parkinsonism was assessed by Real-Time PCR to better understand the role of aluminium in the regulation of genes related to Parkinson's neurodegenerative disease. Data showed that aluminium significantly affected the histology of cerebral tissue especially in the first periods of exposure, 10 and 15 days. This trend was also followed by the expression of GFAP. At longer exposure times, there was an improvement/stabilization of the overall neurological conditions and decrease in PARP activity. In addition, aluminium is involved in the deregulation of the expression of genes closely related to Parkinsonism. Overall, the data confirm the neurotoxicity induced by aluminium and shed a light on its involvement in neurodegenerative processes.

Neuroprotective effect of naringin against cerebellar changes in Alzheimer's disease through modulation of autophagy, oxidative stress and tau expression: An experimental study

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual cognitive decline. Strong antioxidants that inhibit free radicals, such as polyphenols, reduce the likelihood of developing oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases such as AD. Naringin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruit shown to be neuroprotective, reduce oxidative damage and minimize histopathological changes caused by ischemic reperfusion, enhance the long-term memory in AD animal models. This work aimed to comprehend the role of naringin in the defense of the cerebellum against aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD in rats by investigating the behavioral, neurochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular mechanisms that underpin its possible neuroprotective effects. Twenty-four adult albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 6/group): (i) Control (C) received saline per oral (p.o.), (ii) Naringin(N)-received naringin (100 mg/kg/d) p.o, (iii) AlCl3-recived AlCl3 (100 mg/kg/d) p.o and (iv) AlCl3 + Naringin (AlCl3 + N) received both AlCl3 and naringin p.o for 21 days. Behavioral tests showed an increase in the time to reach the platform in Morris water maze, indicating memory impairment in the AlCl3-treated group, but co-administration of naringin showed significant improvement. The Rotarod test demonstrated a decrease in muscle coordination in the AlCl3-treated group, while it was improved in the AlCl3 + N group. Neurochemical analysis of the hippocampus and cerebellum revealed that AlCl3 significantly increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress and decreased levels of reduced glutathione. Administration of naringin ameliorated these neurochemical changes via its antioxidant properties. Cerebellar immunohistochemical expression for microtubule assembly (tau protein) and oxidative stress (iNOS) increased in A1C13-treated group. On the other hand, the expression of the autophagic marker (LC3) in the cerebellum showed a marked decline in AlCl3-treated group. Western blot analysis confirmed the cerebellar immunohistochemical findings. Collectively, these findings suggested that naringin could contribute to the combat of oxidative and autophagic stress in the cerebellum of AlCl3-induced AD.

Gene-environment interactions in Alzheimer disease: the emerging role of epigenetics

With the exception of a few monogenic forms, Alzheimer disease (AD) has a complex aetiology that is likely to involve multiple susceptibility genes and environmental factors. The role of environmental factors is difficult to determine and, until a few years ago, the molecular mechanisms underlying gene-environment (G × E) interactions in AD were largely unknown. Here, we review evidence that has emerged over the past two decades to explain how environmental factors, such as diet, lifestyle, alcohol, smoking and pollutants, might interact with the human genome. In particular, we discuss how various environmental AD risk factors can induce epigenetic modifications of key AD-related genes and pathways and consider how epigenetic mechanisms could contribute to the effects of oxidative stress on AD onset. Studies on early-life exposures are helping to uncover critical time windows of sensitivity to epigenetic influences from environmental factors, thereby laying the foundations for future primary preventative approaches. We conclude that epigenetic modifications need to be considered when assessing G × E interactions in AD.

Pharmacotherapeutic potential of pomegranate in age-related neurological disorders

Age-related neurological disorders [AND] include neurodegenerative diseases [NDDs] such as Alzheimer's disease [AD] and Parkinson's disease [PD], which are the most prevalent types of dementia in the elderly. It also includes other illnesses such as migraine and epilepsy. ANDs are multifactorial, but aging is their major risk factor. The most frequent and vital pathological features of AND are oxidative stress, inflammation, and accumulation of misfolded proteins. As AND brain damage is a significant public health burden and its incidence is increasing, much has been done to overcome it. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the polyphenol-rich fruits that is widely mentioned in medical folklore. Pomegranate is commonly used to treat common disorders such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, wound healing, bleeding, dysentery, acidosis, microbial infections, infectious and noninfectious respiratory diseases, and neurological disorders. In the current review article, we aimed to summarize the data on the pharmacotherapeutic potentials of pomegranate in ANDs.

Pediatric Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Aluminum from Infant Formulas and Children under the Age of Five's Food Products among Arab Infants: Experience from Lebanon

Chronic dietary aluminum (Al) exposure can have various negative effects on health. The aim of our study is to (1) assess the contamination level of Al in infant formulas (n = 41) and baby food products (n = 76) available in the Lebanese market, and to (2) evaluate the margin of exposure of Al through the consumption of these foods among children under the age of five in Lebanon. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was used to evaluate all of the samples. Al levels in all tested children’s food items were below the limit of detection. The highest Al level was detected in cornflakes (0.361 ± 0.049 mg/kg) and pureed foods (0.362 ± 0.079 mg/kg). Among infants aged 0−23 months, the average Al exposure due to the daily intake of infant formulas and baby foods was 0.01 and 0.0104 mg/kg BW/day for males and females, respectively. Babies aged 8−10 and 3−5 months had the highest and lowest levels of Al exposure, respectively. Additionally, the toxicological contribution of Al exposure determined for several age groups to a provisional tolerated weekly intake (PTWI) set by JECFA was  <6% and  <7% for males and females, respectively. The total Al exposure through the consumption of infant formulas and complementary foods among all ages in both males and females was below the values of weekly tolerable intakes (2 mg/kg/BW/W) set by JECFA. However, the values of hazard quotient (HQ) exceeded 1 in both male and female Lebanese infants. As a result, the risk of infants being exposed to Al in baby foods needs to be continuously considered.

Umbilical cord serum elementomics of 52 trace elements and early childhood neurodevelopment: Evidence from a prospective birth cohort in rural Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposures to neurotoxic metals and trace elements are associated with early childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, consequences of simultaneous exposure to mixtures of elements remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To examine individual and joint effects of prenatal trace element exposure on early childhood neurodevelopment.

METHODS

Using a well-established Bangladesh prospective birth cohort (2008-2011), we measured concentrations of 52 trace elements in umbilical cord serum of 569 mother-infant pairs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Neurodevelopment was evaluated at 20-40 months of age using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition. Stability elastic net (ENET) was used to screen elements individually associated with the outcome; candidate exposures were combined by weighted linear combination to form a risk score representing their mixture effect on early childhood neurodevelopment.

RESULTS

Stability ENET identified 15 trace elements associated with cognitive composite score and 14 associated with motor composite score, which were linearly combined to form the element risk score (ERS). Children with higher ERScognitive had lower probability of cognitive developmental delay (ORhighest vs lowest: 0.21; 95 %CI: 0.10, 0.40; P < 0.001; Ptrend < 0.001). Children with ERSmotor in the top quintile had a significantly lower risk of motor developmental delay (OR: 0.16; 95 %CI: 0.09, 0.31; P < 0.001; Ptrend < 0.001) versus the lowest quintile. In Bayesian kernel machine regression analyses, lithium [conditional posterior inclusion probability (cPIP) = 0.68], aluminum (cPIP = 0.83) and iron (cPIP = 1.00) contributed most to the lower cognitive composite score; zinc (cPIP = 1.00), silver (cPIP = 0.81), and antimony (cPIP = 0.65) mainly contributed to the change of motor composite score.

CONCLUSION

Co-exposure to lithium/aluminum/iron or zinc/silver/antimony appears to impact children's neurodevelopment. ERS score reflecting maternal exposure could indicate children's risk of neurodevelopmental delay, warranting further studies to explore the underlying mechanism.

Antiamnesic Potential of Malvidin on Aluminum Chloride Activated by the Free Radical Scavenging Property

Objectives: Malvidin, a dietary anthocyanin can be a potent drug for the treatment of neuronal toxicity. The investigation was aimed to study the antioxidant role of malvidin against aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Methods: To evaluate the neuroprotective role of malvidin, the rats were divided into four different groups: group I received saline, group II received AlCl₃, and groups III and IV were administered with 100 and 200 mg/kg malvidin after AlCl₃ for 60 days. During the evaluation period, all the groups were subjected to a behavioral test. On the 61st day of the study, rat brains were removed and used for a neurochemical assay. Results: From the present study, malvidin ameliorated the effects of AlCl₃ on behavioral parameters. Biochemical investigation revealed that oral treatment of malvidin shows neuroprotective effects through regulation of antioxidant levels and neuroinflammation in the AlCl₃-exposed rats. Conclusion: The results indicate that malvidin possesses antioxidant activity via acetylcholinesterase inhibition and regulation of oxidative stress in neuronal cells. Hence, malvidin could be a potential drug in correcting Alzheimer's disease.

An Alternative Explanation for Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease Initiation from Specific Antibiotics, Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Neurotoxins

The late onset neuropathologies, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, have become increasingly prevalent. Their causation has been linked to genetics, gut microbiota dysbiosis (gut dysbiosis), autoimmune diseases, pathogens and exposures to neurotoxins. An alternative explanatory hypothesis is provided for their pathogenesis. Virtually everyone has pervasive daily exposures to neurotoxins, through inhalation, skin contact, direct blood transmission and through the gastrointestinal tract by ingestion. As a result, every individual has substantial and fluctuating neurotoxin blood levels. Two major barriers to neurotoxin entry into the central nervous system are the blood-brain barrier and the intestinal wall, in the absence of gut dysbiosis. Inflammation from gut dysbiosis, induced by antibiotic usage, can increase the intestinal wall permeability for neurotoxins to reach the bloodstream, and also increase the blood-brain barrier permeability to neurotoxins. Gut dysbiosis, including gut dysbiosis caused by antibiotic treatments, is an especially high risk for neurotoxin entry into the brain to cause late onset neuropathologies. Gut dysbiosis has far-reaching immune system and central nervous system effects, and even a transient gut dysbiosis can act in combination with neurotoxins, such as aluminum, mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, manganese, organophosphate pesticides and organochlorines, to reach neurotoxin blood levels that can initiate a late onset neuropathology, depending on an individual's age and genetic vulnerability.

Can Exposure to Environmental Pollutants Be Associated with Less Effective Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients?

Since environmental pollutants are ubiquitous and many of them are resistant to degradation, we are exposed to many of them on a daily basis. Notably, these pollutants can have harmful effects on our health and be linked to the development of disease. Epidemiological evidence together with a better understanding of the mechanisms that link toxic substances with the development of diseases, suggest that exposure to some environmental pollutants can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer. Furthermore, several studies have raised the role of low-dose exposure to environmental pollutants in cancer progression. However, little is known about how these compounds influence the treatments given to cancer patients. In this work, we present a series of evidences suggesting that environmental pollutants such as bisphenol A (BPA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), aluminum chloride (AlCl₃), and airborne particulate matter may reduce the efficacy of some common chemotherapeutic drugs used in different types of cancer. We discuss the potential underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to the generation of this chemoresistance, such as apoptosis evasion, DNA damage repair, activation of pro-cancer signaling pathways, drug efflux and action of antioxidant enzymes, among others.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiation by Inflammation-Facilitated Neurotoxin Transport

Autism spectrum disorders have been linked to genetics, gut microbiota dysbiosis (gut dysbiosis), neurotoxin exposures, maternal allergies or autoimmune diseases. Two barriers to ingested neurotoxin transport into the central nervous system of a fetus or child are the gastrointestinal wall of the mother or child and the blood-brain barrier of the fetus or child. Inflammation from gut dysbiosis or inflammation from a disease or other agent can increase the gastrointestinal wall and the blood-brain barrier permeabilities to enable neurotoxins to reach the brain of a fetus or child. Postnatal gut dysbiosis is a particular inflammation risk for autism spectrum disorders caused by neurotoxin transport into a child's brain. An extensive gut dysbiosis or another source of inflammation such as a disease or other agent in combination with neurotoxins, including aluminum, mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, arsenic, organophosphates, and neurotoxic bacterial toxins and fungal toxins resulting from the gut dysbiosis, can elevate neurotoxin levels in a fetal or child brain to cause neurodevelopmental damage and initiate an autism spectrum disorder. The neurotoxins aluminum and mercury are especially synergistic in causing neurodevelopmental damage. There are three plausible causational pathways for autism spectrum disorders. They include inflammation and neurotoxin loading into the fetal brain during the prenatal neurodevelopment period, inflammation and neurotoxin loading into the brain during the postnatal neurodevelopment period or a two-stage loading of neurotoxins into the brain during both the prenatal and postnatal neurodevelopment periods.

Naproxen as a potential candidate for promoting rivastigmine anti-Alzheimer activity against aluminum chloride-prompted Alzheimer's-like disease in rats; neurogenesis and apoptosis modulation as a possible underlying mechanism

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the leading causes of dependence and disability among the elderly worldwide. The traditional anti-Alzheimer medication, rivastigmine, one of the cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), fails to achieve a definitive cure. We tested the hypothesis that naproxen administration to the rivastigmine-treated aluminum chloride (AlCl3) Alzheimer's rat model could provide an additive neuroprotective effect compared to rivastigmine alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The studied groups were control (Cont), AlCl₃ treated (Al), rivastigmine treated (RIVA), naproxen treated (Napro), and combined rivastigmine and naproxen treated (RIVA + Napro). Rats' memory, spatial learning, and cognitive behavior were assessed followed by evaluation of hippocampal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Hippocampal and cerebellar histopathology were thoroughly examined. Activated caspase-3 and the neuroepithelial stem cells marker; nestin expressions were immunohistochemically assayed.

RESULTS

AD rats displayed significantly impaired memory and cognitive function, augmented hippocampal AChE activity; massive neurodegeneration associated with enhanced astrogliosis, apoptosis, and impaired neurogenesis. Except for the enhancement of neurogenesis and suppression of apoptosis, the combination therapy had no additional neuroprotective benefit over rivastigmine-only therapy.

CONCLUSION

Naproxen's efficacy was established by its ability to function at the cellular level, improved neurogenesis, and decreased, apoptosis without having an additional mitigating impact on cognitive impairment in rivastigmine-treated AD rats.

Necrostatin-1 Relieves Learning and Memory Deficits in a Zebrafish Model of Alzheimer's Disease Induced by Aluminum

Aluminum (Al) is considered one of the environmental risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study aims to establish a zebrafish AD model induced by Al and explore if necrostation-1 (Nec-1), a specific inhibitor of necroptosis, is effective in relieving learning and memory deficits in the zebrafish AD models. We treated adult zebrafish with aluminum trichloride at various doses for 1 month, followed by a T-maze test to evaluate learning and memory performance. Al concentration, levels of acetylcholine (Ach), and AD-related protein and gene expression in the brain tissue were evaluated in the zebrafish AD models. Our results demonstrated that in the brain tissue of Al-treated zebrafish, Al accumulated, Ach levels decreased, and AD-related genes and proteins increased. As a result, the learning and memory performance of Al-treated zebrafish was impaired. This suggested that a zebrafish AD model was established. To test the effect of Nec-1 on the zebrafish AD model, we added Nec-1 into the culture medium of the Al-treated adult zebrafish. The results demonstrated that Nec-1 could relive the learning and memory deficits, enhance Ach levels and the numbers of neural cells, and impact necroptosis-related gene expression. We concluded that Nec-1 could reverse Al-induced learning and memory impairment and had potential theoretical value in the zebrafish AD model.

APP palmitoylation is involved in the increase in Aβ1-42 induced by aluminum

The increase in Aβ_1-42 is a neurotoxic effect induced by aluminum which can lead to impairment of learning and memory, but its mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Studies have shown that APP palmitoylation is appears to be involved in the production process of Aβ_1-42. Here, we investigated whether APP palmitoylation is related to the increase in Aβ caused by aluminum and its specific mechanism of action. In this study, APP palmitoylation was studied in the setting of aluminum-induced increases in Aβ_1-42 from two perspectives: whole animal experiments and in vitro cell experiments. First, the learning and memory of rats were impaired and the number of rat cortical neurons was decreased after staining with aluminum. Second, the expression of palmitoyl APP, APP in lipid rafts and palmitoyl acyltransferase zDHHC7 both in rat cerebral cortex and PC12 cells increased with the production of Aβ_1-42 induced by aluminum in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, the intervention with the palmitoylation inhibitors 2-BP and siRNA zDHHC7 in PC12 cells reduced levels of palmitoyl APP, the expression of APP in lipid rafts and the content of Aβ_1-42 induced by aluminum to a certain extent. Our results indicate that increased APP palmitoylation levels may be related to the increase in Aβ_1-42 caused by aluminum, and the mechanism may involve APP palmitoylation promoting the accumulation of APP protein on lipid rafts and the cleavage of APP by BACE1 in amyloidogenic pathway. The increase in expression of zDHHC7 may be one of the reasons for the increase in levels of APP palmitoylation caused by aluminum.

miR-200a-3p Regulates PRKACB and Participates in Aluminium-Induced Tau Phosphorylation in PC12 Cells

Aluminium (Al) is an environmental neurotoxin that humans are widely exposed to, but the molecular mechanism of its toxic effects is not fully understood. Many studies have shown that exposure to Al can cause abnormal phosphorylation of the tau protein that is believed as one of pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in the pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases and are potential regulatory factors for related target genes. Phosphorylation at Ser-133 of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the major pathways of CREB activation, and phosphorylation at this site is controlled by protein kinase A (PKA). The catalytic subunit of PKA, cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit beta (PRKACB), phosphorylates CREB. The target gene prediction software TargetScan showed that PRKACB was one of the target mRNAs of miR-200a-3p. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether miR-200a-3p regulates the PKA/CREB pathway by targeting PRKACB and leads to abnormal phosphorylation of the tau protein in nerve cells. The results showed that Al exposure increased the expression level of miR-200a-3p, and miR-200a-3p increased the expression of targeted downregulated PRKACB, and then decreased the PKA/CREB signalling pathway activity, leading to abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau.

Association between water and sanitation, air and emission pollution and climate change and neurological disease distribution: A study based on GBD data

Along with the urbanization and industrialization of countries, the prevalence of chronic diseases has increased. There is ample evidence that ambient pollution can play a major role in these diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between neurological disorders (NDs) and their subtypes with environmental factors. In this country-level study, we used the age-standardized prevalence and incidence rate (per 100,000 populations) of NDs and its subtypes that have been taken from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database in 2019. We used correlation and regression analysis to assess the association between variables. Also, multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify the most important variables in NDs distribution. Age-adjusted NDs incidence rate was significantly higher in developed countries compared to developing countries (11345.25 (95% CI: 11634.88-11055.62) and 9956.37 (95% CI: 10138.66-9774.08)). Association results indicated that the impact of water and sanitation could be more effective than air pollution on NDs. The increase in water and sanitation index levels was positively correlated with NDs incidence rate and prevalence (regression coefficient (b) = 38.011 (SE = 6.50) and b = 118.84 (SE = 20.64), p < 0.001, respectively) after adjusting socio-economic and demographic factors. Furthermore, the incidence of NDs was negatively correlated with the increase in air quality (b = -16.30 (SE = 7.25), p = 0.008). Water and sanitation and their related factors are plausible factors in the distribution of NDs, which may be linked to the potential role of air and water pollution, such as heavy metals and particle matters. These results can be used by politicians and municipal service planners for future planning.

Morphological classification and changes in dementia (Review)

The progressive functional decline that involves both cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms characteristic to dementia is one of the leading research topics. The risk for dementia is an intertwined mix between aging, genetic risk factors, and environmental influences. APOEε4, which is one of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) alleles, is the major genetic risk factor for late-onset of the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's. Advances in machine learning have led to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to help diagnose dementia by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to detect it in the preclinical stage. The basis of the determinations starts from the morphometry of cerebral atrophies. The present review focused on MRI techniques which are a leading tool in identifying cortical atrophy, white matter dysfunctionalities, cerebral vessel quality (as a factor for cognitive impairment) and metabolic asymmetries. In addition, a brief overview of Alzheimer's disease was presented and recent neuroimaging in the field of dementia with an emphasis on structural MR imaging and more powerful methods such as diffusion tensor imaging, quantitative susceptibility mapping, and magnetic transfer imaging were explored in order to propose a simple systematic approach for the diagnosis and treatment of dementia.

Protective effect of mitophagy against aluminum-induced MC3T3-E1 cells dysfunction

Aluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous environmental metal toxicant that causes osteoblast (OB) damage which leads to Al-related bone diseases. Mitochondrial damage plays a key role in Al-related bone diseases, and while mitophagy can clear damaged mitochondria and improve OB function, the relationship between mitophagy and Al-induced OB dysfunction is unknown. To explore the role of mitophagy in Al-induced OB dysfunction in vitro, we used 2 μM carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) and 0.4 μM Cyclosporin A (CsA) to activate and inhibit mitophagy, respectively. MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with 0 mM AlCl₃ (control group); 2 mM AlCl₃ (Al group); 2 μM CCCP (CCCP group); 2 μM CCCP and 2 mM AlCl₃ (CCCP + Al group); 0.4 μM CsA (CsA group); 0.4 μM CsA and 2 mM AlCl₃ (CsA + Al group). The results showed that Al induced ultrastructural and functional impairment of MC3T3-E1 cells. Compared to the Al group, mitophagy activation caused mitochondrial membrane potentials to collapse, up-regulated PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 expression, down-regulated p62 expression, and increased mitophagosome numbers. Mitophagy activation also reduced Al-induced oxidative stress and MC3T3-E1 cell functional damage, as seen in improvement in cell viability, cellular calcium and phosphorus contents, and collagen I, osteocalcin, and bone alkaline phosphatase gene expression. Mitophagy inhibition had the opposite effects on activation. Overall, these results show that mitophagy can protect against Al-induced OB dysfunction.

Zebrafish and Medaka: Important Animal Models for Human Neurodegenerative Diseases

Animal models of human neurodegenerative disease have been investigated for several decades. In recent years, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes) have become popular in pathogenic and therapeutic studies about human neurodegenerative diseases due to their small size, the optical clarity of embryos, their fast development, and their suitability to large-scale therapeutic screening. Following the emergence of a new generation of molecular biological technologies such as reverse and forward genetics, morpholino, transgenesis, and gene knockout, many human neurodegenerative disease models, such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's, were constructed in zebrafish and medaka. These studies proved that zebrafish and medaka genes are functionally conserved in relation to their human homologues, so they exhibit similar neurodegenerative phenotypes to human beings. Therefore, fish are a suitable model for the investigation of pathologic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and for the large-scale screening of drugs for potential therapy. In this review, we summarize the studies in modelling human neurodegenerative diseases in zebrafish and medaka in recent years.

Chitosan-coated organosilica nanoparticles as a dual responsive delivery system of natural fragrance for axillary odor problem

Citronellol (CI)-loaded, chitosan (CS)-enclosed dendritic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (CI@D-MONs@CS) are successfully fabricated. The synthesized CI@D-MONs@CS present spherical shape with the particle size of 424±24 nm in diameter and dendritic mesopores. CI loading ratio of CI@D-MONs@CS is about 12.42% from TGA analysis. CI release from CI@D-MONs@CS exhibits pH-redox dual responsiveness. More interesting, the axillary deodorant effect is investigated with Staphylococcus haemolyticus in an artificial sweat model. The results show that CI@D-MONs@CS present an excellent bacteria-killing effect and the smell of artificial sweat is greatly improved, avoiding the formation of undesirable odorant compounds from the bacteria. The obtained CI@D-MONs@CS is a potential carrier of natural fragrance or actives with dual responsive release. The application of CI@D-MONs@CS is a new and effective strategy to the axillary odor problem.

Long-term exposure to low doses of aluminum affects mineral content and microarchitecture of rats alveolar bone

Aluminum (Al) is one of the most found elements in nature in many forms, and human exposure can be quite common. Therefore, it is important to investigate the effects of exposure to Al mainly at low doses and for a prolonged period, in order to simulate human exposure in the periodontium, an important structure for support and protection of the teeth. This investigation aimed to study the aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) toxicological effects in the mineral composition and micromorphology of the alveolar bone of rats. Two groups of eight male Wistar rats were used for the experiment. AlCl₃ group was exposed to AlCl₃ orally at a dose of 8.3 mg/kg/day for 60 days, while the control group received only distilled water. After that, the mandibles were collected and submitted to the following analyses: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray microtomography analysis; blood was also collected for determination of Al circulating levels. Our data showed that AlCl₃ was capable of increasing Al circulating levels in blood. It was able to promote changes in the mineral content and triggers significant changes in the mineralized bone microstructure, such as number and thickness of trabeculae, being associated with alveolar bone-loss.

An Alum-Free Jellyfish Treatment for Food Applications

Jellyfish, marketed and consumed as food in The Far East, are traditionally processed using salt and alum mixtures. In recent years, the interest of Western consumers in jellyfish (JF) as a food source is increasing. In Europe [European Union (EU)], JF-derived food products are regulated by a novel food law, but methods for JF treatment and processing have not been developed yet. In this study, a protocol for the stabilization and processing of JF into semi-finished food products without the use of alum is proposed for the first time. Safety and quality parameters, together with a series of technological and nutritional traits, were used to monitor the proposed process and for the characterization of the JF-derived products. Calcium lactate (E327), calcium citrate (E333), and calcium acetate (E263), which are food thickening/stabilizing agents allowed by EU regulations, were used in order to control the presence of possible microbial pathogens and spoilage species. The use of calcium lactate and citrate led to an increase in texture values (~1.7-1.8-fold higher than in starting raw materials) and in several nutritional traits such as antioxidant activity, and protein and fatty acid content. In particular, the combination of JF treatments with calcium salts and phenolic compounds resulted in an antioxidant activity increase of up to 8-fold, protein concentration increase of up to 2.6-fold, fatty acid composition maintenance, and a ω6/ω3 ratio lower than 1. For the first time, the application of phenolic compounds to improve JF technological and nutritional features was verified. This study proposes a new procedure for JF treatment and stabilization useful for future potential food applications in Western countries.

Monitoring of Aluminum content in food and assessment of dietary exposure of residents in North China

Although the Chinese diet has become very abundant in the past 30 years, few people know that traditional Chinese diet is exposed to aluminium (Al). A total of 1232 samples were purchased during 2017-2019 and analysed for Al content with an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. High Al levels were found in deep-fried dough sticks (mean 219 mg/kg), starch products (mean 84.5 mg/kg), and steam bread (mean 28.6 mg/kg). The average dietary Al exposure of residents in North China was 1.82 mg/kg bw/week, lower than the PTWI (provisional tolerable weekly intake). Deep-fried dough sticks (DFDS) are the main Al contributor in North China, providing 28.2% of the daily intake. The P95 dietary exposure to Al from DFDS was 2.3 mg/kg bw/week, exceeding the PTWI. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the health risk of exposure to Al from DFDS and starch products. Over-use of Al associated with food additives should be effectively controlled.

Pomegranate juice reverses AlCl3-Induced neurotoxicity and improves learning and memory in female mice

BACKGROUND

Aluminum is a neurotoxic element that can accumulate in the brain and cause neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice (PJ) are much more than those existing in other fruits. It was proven to provide protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

OBJECTIVES

This experiment aimed to clarify the amelioration efficiency of PJ against aluminum chloride-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical disorders in female mice.

METHODS

The female mice were given oral administrations for 35 days as follows. The control group received tap water, the PJ groups received 20% and 40% pomegranate juice, the aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) group was treated with 400 mg/kg AlCl₃, and the last two groups received AlCl₃ + 20% PJ and AlCl₃ + 40% PJ, respectively. The neurobehavioral features were assessed by shuttle box, T-maze, and Morris water maze devices. Furthermore, the neurotransmitters and oxidative indicators in the brains of the female mice were determined at the end of experiment.

RESULTS

Significant effects of AlCl₃ were observed on female mice in the body weight, during the behavioral tasks (shuttle box, T-maze, and Morris water maze), and in neurotransmitters and oxidative stress parameters. Pomegranate juice, especially at low concentrations, induced remarkable improvements in body weight, spatial memory and learning during T-maze, Morris water maze and shuttle box tasks, as well as in neurotransmitters and oxidative biomarkers in the AlCl₃-treated female mice.

CONCLUSION

PJ reversed AlCl₃-induced neurotoxicity and improved learning and memory in female mice. However, PJ contains a group of antioxidants that may be considered double-edged swords in the cellular redox status especially at high doses.

[The role of aluminum and lead in the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases]

The article summarizes the data available in the literature on the toxic effects of aluminum and lead on the human brain and assesses the relationship of these effects to the etiopathogenesis of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The accumulation of ions of these metals in the brain structures leads to chronic intoxication that is manifested by the morphological signs that are typical for Alzheimer's disease, such as deposits of β-amyloid and τ-protein mainly in the frontal and temporal regions of the cortex, and for Parkinson's disease, such as degeneration of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and their accumulation of α-synuclein. The most likely forms of participation of aluminum and lead ions in the mechanisms of neurodegeneration are the replacement of bivalent metal ions necessary for brain functioning, oxidative stress initiation, epigenetic modifications of histones, and increased expression of noncoding ribonucleic acids.

The role of nutrition in space exploration: Implications for sensorimotor, cognition, behavior and the cerebral changes due to the exposure to radiation, altered gravity, and isolation/confinement hazards of spaceflight

Multi-year crewed space exploration missions are now on the horizon; therefore, it is important that we understand and mitigate the physiological effects of spaceflight. The spaceflight hazards-radiation, isolation, confinement, and altered gravity-have the potential to contribute to neuroinflammation and produce long-term cognitive and behavioral effects-while the fifth hazard, distance from earth, limits capabilities to mitigate these risks. Accumulated evidence suggests that nutrition has an important role in optimizing cognition and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases caused by neuroinflammation. Here we review the nutritional perspective of how these spaceflight hazards affect the astronaut's brain, behavior, performance, and sensorimotor function. We also assess potential nutrient/nutritional countermeasures that could prevent or mitigate spaceflight risks and ensure that crewmembers remain healthy and perform well during their missions. Just as history has taught us the importance of nutrition in terrestrial exploration, we must understand the role of nutrition in the development and mitigation of spaceflight risks before humans can successfully explore beyond low-Earth orbit.

Oily Wastewater Treatment: Overview of Conventional and Modern Methods, Challenges, and Future Opportunities

Industrial developments in the oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food sector have contributed to the large production of oily wastewater worldwide. Oily wastewater pollution affects drinking water and groundwater resources, endangers aquatic life and human health, causes atmospheric pollution, and affects crop production. Several traditional and conventional methods were widely reported, and the advantages and limitations were discussed. However, with the technology innovation, new trends of coupling between techniques, use of new materials, optimization of the cleaning process, and multiphysical approach present new paths for improvement. Despite these trends of improvement and the encouraging laboratory results of modern and green methods, many challenges remain to be raised, particularly the commercialization and the global aspect of these solutions and the reliability to reduce the system’s maintenance and operational cost. In this review, the well-known oily wastewater cleaning methods and approaches are being highlighted, and the obstacles faced in the practical use of these technologies are discussed. A critical review on the technologies and future direction as the road to commercialization is also presented to persevere water resources for the benefit of mankind and all living things.

Evaluation of Cerebellar Function and Integrity of Adult Rats After Long-Term Exposure to Aluminum at Equivalent Urban Region Consumption Concentrations

High amounts of aluminum (Al) are found in soil and water. It is highly bioavailable, which makes it an important agent of environmental imbalance. Moreover, Al is considered a neurotoxic agent that is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, this study investigated the effects of long-term Al chloride (AlCl₃) exposure on motor behavior, oxidative biochemistry, and cerebellar tissue parameters. For this, adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Al-D1 (8.3 mg kg^-1 day^-1), Al-D2 (5.2 mg kg^-1 day^-1), and control (distilled water); all groups were orally exposed for 60 days by intragastric gavage. After the exposure period, animals performed the open field, elevated plus maze, rotarod, and beam walking tests. Then, the blood and cerebellum were collected to evaluate Al levels and biochemical and morphological analyses, respectively. Our results demonstrate that animals exposed to Al doses presented a higher Al level in the blood. In the spontaneous locomotor activity, Al exposure groups had traveled a lower total distance when compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between exposed and control groups when anxiogenic profile, forced locomotion, fine motor coordination/balance, pro-oxidative parameter, and density Purkinje cells were compared. Thus, aluminum exposure in equivalent doses to human consumption in urban regions did not promote significant changes in the cerebellum or motor parameters.

Cross-sectional study based on occupational aluminium exposure population

To evaluate the different characteristics of cognitive impairment caused by occupational aluminium exposure at different ages, we surveyed 1660 workers in Shanxi Aluminium Plant, China, and assessed their cognitive function and plasma aluminium concentration. In multiple linear regression, the scores of the digit-span test (DST) and digit-span backward test (DSBT) were negatively correlated with plasma aluminium concentration when concentration reached 34.52 μg/L in younger group (＜40 years), while in the middle-aged group (≥40 years) only found when concentration reached 42.25 μg/L (β<0, P < 0.05). In logistic regression, when plasma aluminum concentration reached 42.25μg/L, odds ratios (95 % confidence interval) were 1.695 (1.062-2.705) and 3.270 (1.615-6.620) for DST, 7.644 (3.846-15.192) and 15.308 (4.180-56.059) for DSBT in middle-aged group and younger group, respectively. These results showed that aluminium exposures were associated with cognitive impairment among aluminium-exposed workers, particularly for young workers who were more susceptible.

Potential of coagulation to remove particle-associated and free-living antibiotic resistome from wastewater

Coagulation has been accepted as a cost-effective and environmental-friendly method to remove pollutants. In our recent work, two coagulants of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and polyaluminum ferric chloride (PAFC) with dosage gradients, and one coagulant aid of anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) were used to investigate their potential to remove particle-associated (PA) and free-living (FL) ARGs and MGEs detected by high throughput qPCR (HT-qPCR) method. The results indicated that the maximum removal efficiencies of PA- and FL-ARGs (4.67- and 3.18-logs) were obtained at the PAFC dosage of 50.0 mg/L. Excessive PAFC dosage can hamper the removal of size-fractionated ARGs. As PAC aid, anionic PAM (1.0 mg/L) had limited effects to promote the removal of PA-ARG, while FL-ARG removal was enhanced by 0.34 log at the PAC dosage of 50.0 mg/L. The fitted curves suggested that the optimal chemical dosages of PAC, PAFC and PAC coupled with PAM in the removal of total ARGs and MGEs were 40.5, 64.7 and 50.0 mg/L, respectively. In addition, we found that much more coagulants were needed to remove FL-ARGs compared to that of PA-ARGs. The removal efficiencies of size-fractionated ARGs by flocculation can be affected by coagulant type, dosage, coagulant aid, Zeta potential and microorganism lifestyle (PA or FL).