Impact of Aluminium Chloride (AlCl₃) on Brain Function: A Review of Neurotoxic Mechanisms and Implications for Alzheimer's Disease

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Department of Pharmacology, RBVRR Women’s College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to Osmania University, Barkathpura, Hyderabad, India

10.30476/tips.2024.103641.1253

Abstract

Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) is a prevalent environmental pollutant found in food and drinking water. Epidemiological studies suggest a strong link between AlCl3 exposure and neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AlCl3 disrupts normal brain function, potentially leading to oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and cognitive decline, all of which are implicated in AD pathology. This review compiled and analysed data from 59 studies, accessed through academic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Science Direct, Wiley, Scopus, and Research Gate. The focus was specifically on the neurotoxic effects of AlCl₃, drawing insights into its impact on brain structure, function, and behaviour. Findings from the reviewed studies reveal that AlCl3 exposure leads to increased aluminium accumulation in brain tissues, resulting in structural damage and neurotoxic effects. This accumulation affects cognitive functions and behaviour, with histological analyses showing signs of neurodegeneration. Behavioural changes and impaired cognitive abilities observed in animal and cellular models suggest that AlCl3 disrupts neural pathways critical to learning and memory. The evidence indicates a significant association between AlCl3 exposure and neurodegenerative damage, especially in the context of AD. This review emphasizes the need for further research into AlCl3's neurotoxic mechanisms to clarify its role in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Enhanced understanding may help develop preventive measures and regulations to mitigate the health risks posed by aluminium exposure in daily life.

Highlights

Amtul Rahman (Google Scholar)

Zeenath Banu (Google Scholar)

Keywords

References

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Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Volume 10, Issue 4
December 2024
Pages 355-366

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