Effects of aluminum on the nervous system and its possible link with neurodegenerative diseases

J Alzheimers Dis. 2005 Nov;8(2):171-82; discussion 209-15. doi: 10.3233/jad-2005-8210.

Abstract

Aluminum is environmentally abundant, but not an essential element. Aluminum has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, such as dialysis encephalopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsonism dementia in the Kii peninsula and Guam, and in particular, Alzheimer's disease. Although this association remains controversial, there is increasing evidence which suggests the implication of metal homeostasis in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Aluminum, zinc, copper, and iron cause the conformational changes of Alzheimer's amyloid-beta protein. Al causes the accumulation of tau protein and amyloid-beta protein in experimental animals. Aluminum induces neuronal apoptosis in vivo as well as in vitro. Furthermore, a relationship between aluminum and the iron-homeostasis or calcium-homeostasis has been suggested. Based on these findings, the characteristics of aluminum neurotoxicity are reviewed, and the potential link between aluminum and neurodegenerative diseases is reconsidered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum / metabolism
  • Aluminum / toxicity*
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Homeostasis / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Metals / metabolism
  • Metals / toxicity
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Protein Conformation / drug effects

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Metals
  • Aluminum