Aluminium in Alzheimer?s disease: are we still at a crossroad?

Abstract

Aluminium, an environmentally abundant non-redox trivalent cation has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the definite mechanism of aluminium toxicity in AD is not known. Evidence suggests that trace metal homeostasis plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of the brain, and any disturbance in it can exacerbate events associated with AD. The present paper reviews the scientific literature linking aluminium with AD. The focus is on aluminium levels in brain, region-specific and subcellular distribution, its relation to neurofibrillary tangles, amyloid beta, and other metals. A detailed mechanism of the role of aluminium in oxidative stress and cell death is highlighted. The importance of complex speciation chemistry of aluminium in relation to biology has been emphasized. The debatable role of aluminium in AD and the cross-talk between aluminium and genetic susceptibility are also discussed. Finally, it is concluded based on extensive literature that the neurotoxic effects of aluminium are beyond any doubt, and aluminium as a factor in AD cannot be discarded. However, whether aluminium is a sole factor in AD and whether it is a factor in all AD cases still needs to be understood.

Orthodontic Buccal Tooth Movement by Nickel-Free Titanium-Based Shape Memory and Superelastic Alloy Wire

“…28,29 Although it was mentioned that aluminum might play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, 30,31 some recent investigations denied this relationship. 32,33 On the other hand, there are few reports about aluminum hypersensitivity.…”

Effects of Aluminium Chloride Exposure on the Histology of the Cerebral Cortex of Adult Wistar Rats

“…Al is a possible contributing factor in Alzheimer's disease (Campbell, 2002). Evidence for the contribution of Al to Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains contradictory (Flaten, 2001;Gupta et al, 2005). However, epidemiological studies have indicated a link between Al in drinking water and AD and a variety of human and animal studies have implicated learning and memory deficits after Al exposure.…”

Effects of Aluminium Chloride Exposure on the Histology of the Liver of Adult Wistar Rats

“…The elemental aluminium does not occur in its pure state but is always combined with other elements such as chloride, hydroxide, silicate, sulphate and phosphate. The wide distribution of this element ensures the potential for causing human exposure and harm [6][7][8][9].Evidence for contribution of aluminium to Alzheimer's disease remains contradictory [10][11]. Epidemiological studies have indicated a link between aluminium in drinking water and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and a variety of human and animal studies have implicated learning and memory deficits after aluminium exposure [12][13][14][15].…”