Neurotoxicity of antimony: A review of epidemiological evidence and the underlying molecular mechanisms
Antimony (Sb) is a toxic metalloid and a global pollutant. Sb exposure is known to cause pulmonary, cardiovascular, liver and kidney damage, as well as cancer. In addition, data showing neurotoxic effects of Sb have been also obtained recently. There...
Key Findings
Antimony (Sb) is a toxic metalloid and a global pollutant. Sb exposure is known to cause pulmonary, cardiovascular, liver and kidney damage, as well as cancer. In addition, data showing neurotoxic effects of Sb have been also obtained recently. Therefore, the objective of the present review was to discuss existing epidemiological findings linking Sb exposure to brain diseases and the underlying molecular mechanisms of Sb neurotoxicity. Laboratory findings revealed neurotoxic effects of high-dose Sb exposure. Specifically, in vitro and in vivo studies show that Sb induces neuronal apoptosis through induction of oxidative stress, altered Akt/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and potentially increased Ca2 + flux. Activation of ferroptosis due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, autophagic GPX4 degradation, and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy also appear to mediate Sb neurotoxicity. Other mechanisms linked to adverse effects of Sb in brain include altered neurotransmitter metabolism, neuroinflammation, as well as impaired gut-brain axis and neurogenesis. Epidemiological findings show also that Sb exposure, both in single metal and multiple metal exposure models, is associated with increased risk of depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although controversial data exist. Evidence showing that maternal Sb exposure is also associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in children also exists. While the precise role of Sb exposure in development of neurological diseases has yet to be established due to limited data, a complex of epidemiological and laboratory findings show that Sb should be considered a potential environmental neurotoxicant.
Why This Matters for Body-Mind Practice
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Source
- Neurotoxicity of antimony: A review of epidemiological evidence and the underlying molecular mechanisms. — Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)