Increased Aluminum Content in Certain Brain Structures is Correlated with Higher Silicon Concentration in Alcoholic Use Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol overuse may be related to increased aluminum (Al) exposure, the brain accumulation of which contributes to dementia. However, some reports indicate that silicon (Si) may have a protective role over Al-induced toxicity. Still, no study has ever explored the brain content of Al and Si in alcoholic use disorder (AUD). Materials and methods: To fill this gap, the present study employed inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry to investigate levels of Al and Si in 10 brain regions and in the liver of AUD patients (n = 31) and control (n = 32) post-mortem. Results: Al content was detected only in AUD patients at mean ± SD total brain content of 1.59 ± 1.19 mg/kg, with the highest levels in the thalamus (4.05 ± 12.7 mg/kg, FTH), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (3.48 ± 9.67 mg/kg, ILF), insula (2.41 ± 4.10 mg/kg) and superior longitudinal fasciculus (1.08 ± 2.30 mg/kg). Si content displayed no difference between AUD and control, except for FTH. Positive inter-region correlations between the content of both elements were identified in the cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and ILF. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that AUD patients may potentially be prone to Al-induced neurodegeneration in their brain—although this hypothesis requires further exploration.

Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc, and Chromium Levels in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Review

“…Among heavy drinkers, alcoholic liver disease is estimated to develop in 15–30% [ 2 ]. In patients who consume excessive amounts of alcohol, various types of disturbances are observed, i.e., electrolyte, acid-base, protein-caloric malnutrition, and vitamin deficiency [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Chronic alcohol abuse patients are malnourished not only because of a diet low in nutrients but also because alcohol impairs the absorption of essential nutrients and elements.…”

Gastric carcinogenesis: a comprehensive review of the angiogenic pathways

“…Currently, more cases of the proximal GC than the distal one are observed among patients [8]. Numerous risk factors contribute to the onset of GC, among which Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, genetic factors, imbalanced diet, as well as excessive alcohol consumption, are of the highest importance [9][10][11][12][13][14].…”

How to understand and help a person with borderline personality. Case report and literature review on the therapeutic possibilities

“…Wykazano, że u osób z BPD występują polimorfizmy genu FKBP5 kodującego białko biorące udział w regulacji receptorów glukokortykosteroidowych, co wpływa na dysfunkcję osi HPA [14,15]. BPD często współwystępuje z chorobą alkoholową, przy czym nadmierne spożywanie alkoholu indukuje znaczne zmiany w obrębie centralnego oraz obwodowego układu nerwowego [16][17][18][19]. Wśród czynników środowiskowych mających znaczenie w patogenezie zaburzenia borderline wymienia się fizyczną przemoc dziecięcą, nadużycia seksualne, czy zaniedbanie w dzieciństwie [20][21][22][23].…”

“…It was shown that in patients with BPD, the polymorphism of the FKBP5 gene is quite common; this gene encodes the protein that is involved in the processes that regulate glucocorticoid receptors, which ultimately has an impact on the HPA dysfunctions [14,15]. BPD usually coexists with alcohol use disorder and an excessive alcohol intake additionally induces changes within the central and peripheral nervous systems [16][17][18][19]. Among environmental factors that are crucial in the pathogenesis of BPD, physical abuse of children, sexual abuse, or negligence in childhood are usually mentioned [20][21][22][23].…”