Evolution of life has resulted in a strong association between environmental
metals and the biological processes taking place in the human body. Some of these
metals are essential for the survival of human life, while many others can pose harmful
effects on the body if exposed continuously. These toxic metals include Aluminium
(Al), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd) etc. Upon entry into the
brain, these metals lead to the development of many neurological disorders by
increasing the levels of ROS, disturbing calcium ion efflux, causing mitochondrial
dysfunction and activating an immunogenic response. These metals also cause a
decrease in the levels of certain antioxidants in the brain like glutathione, superoxide
dismutase and catalase. Moreover, the decrease in the level of certain genes like brain
derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) due to metals neurotoxicity can also cause depletion
of the memory and other cognitive functions leading to many neurodegenerative
diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), etc. The following
chapter explains the pharmacokinetic mechanisms involved in metals induced
neurotoxicity leading to different neurological disorders.
Keywords: Neurodegeneration, Metals Accumulation, Metals Toxicity, Metals
Pharmacokinetics, Metals Distribution.
