Neurotoxicity

Scientists agree that exposure to toxic agents in the environment can cause neurological and psychiatric illnesses ranging from headaches and depression to syndromes resembling parkinsonism. It can even result in death at high exposure levels. The emergence of subclinical neurotoxicity-the concept that long-term impairments can escape clinical detection-makes the need for risk assessment even more critical. This volume paves the way toward definitive solutions, presenting the current consensus on risk assessment and environmental toxicants and offering specific recommendations. The book covers: The biologic basis of neurotoxicity. Progress in the application of biologic markers. Reviews of a wide range of in vitro and in vivo testing techniques. The use of surveillance and epidemiology to identify neurotoxic hazards that escape premarket screening. Research needs. This volume will be an important resource for policymakers, health specialists, researchers, and students.

This book reviews the scientific literature and the authors’ own research linking aluminum neurotoxicity with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It focuses on aluminum levels in the brain, region-specific and subcellular distribution, its relation to neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid beta—the pathological features of AD, and the possible mechanism of aluminum inducing these pathological features. Further, the book stresses the importance of aluminum’s complex speciation chemistry in relation to biology, and details aluminum’s mechanism in oxidative stress and cell death, especially in connection with apoptosis and necroptosis. The electrophysiological variation and synaptic plasticity induced by aluminum are covered, while the metal’s debatable role in AD and the cross-talk between aluminum and genetic susceptibility are also discussed, and more recently the relationship between aluminum-induced epigenetic modification on DNA and non-coding RNAs and neuron death and synaptic impairment. The second edition updates eight chapters according to the most recent researches. Content about aluminum-induced AD-like pathological features, neurotoxic effects of aluminum and aluminum alloy nanoparticles(TBD) and alumina nanoparticles induced neurotoxic and neurodevelopmental toxic effects is also added. In closing, this book provides readers with a systematic summary of aluminum neurotoxicity.

Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that knows no environmental boundaries. Even the most stringent control of anthropogenic Hg sources will not eliminate exposure given its ubiquitous presence. Exposure to Hg occurs primarily via the food chain due to MeHg’s accumulation in fish. Latest US statistics indicate that 46 States have fish consumption advisories. In addition, Hg is a common pollutant in hazardous waste sites, with an estimated 3-4 million children living within one mile of at least one of the 1,300+ active hazardous waste sites in the US. The effects on intellectual function in children prenatally exposed to MeHg via maternal fish consumption have been the subject of two on-going major, prospective, longitudinal studies in the Seychelles and the Faroe Islands. It is important to recognize that the risk for MeHg exposure is not limited only to islanders with high fish consumption. This book will provide state-of-the-art information to the graduate student training in toxicology, risk assessors, researchers and medical providers at large. It is aimed to bring the reader up to date on contemporary issues associated with exposure to methylmercury, from its effects on stem cells and neurons to population studies.

Neurotoxicity of Nanomaterials and Nanomedicine presents an overview of the exciting research in neurotoxicity and nanomaterials. Nanomaterials have been extensively used in medicine, including diagnosis probes, drug carriers, and embedded materials. While some have been approved for clinical use, most nanomaterials are waiting to be transferred from lab to clinic. However, the toxicity is a main barrier that restricts the translation. This comprehensive book includes chapters on the most commonly used individual nanoparticles, with information on the applications, neurotoxicity, and related mechanisms of each, providing the most in-depth and current information available. The book examines the pathways that nanomaterials enter into, and eliminate, from the brain, along with the strategies that could reduce the neurotoxicity of nanomaterials. Providing a background to the subject, detailed information, and ideas for future directions in research, the book is essential for students and researchers in toxicology, and for those in medicine, neurology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical science, and materials science who are researching nanomaterials. Presents a thorough discussion of the most common nanoparticles in the brain and their neurotoxicology Includes the most common nanoparticles, their applications, and mechanisms Provides one of the first books to focus on nanomedicine and neurotoxicity

This book was written to inform the educated public about the potential hazards of neurotoxic substances. The impetus for this book was a telephone call in June, 1988, from Mr. Robert Esposito of Van Nostrand Reinhold. He wanted to know if I would be willing to write a book on neurotoxicity that would be suitable for industrial hygienists, safety professionals, occupational health personnel, and others interested in neurotoxicity, including psychologists, neuropsychologists, physicians, risk analyzers, and government regulators.

Presenting the latest research in glial cell function gleaned from new techniques in imaging and molecular biology, The Role of Glia in Neurotoxicity, Second Edition covers multiple aspects of glial cells, including morphology, physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, pathology, and their involvement in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases.

Neurotoxins are natural or chemical compounds that can disturb the neurological system of mammals. The neurotoxic potential of a neurotoxin is a consequence that may occur if tissue concentrations surpass a particular threshold. Chemicals disrupt adult brain function by interfering with the structure and function of various neuronal pathways, circuits, and systems in diverse ways. Neurotoxicity - New Advances provides updated information about neurotoxicity and neurotoxic chemicals including nanomaterials and pesticides. It also discusses prevention and treatment strategies. This book is an instructive and valuable guide to understanding neurotoxicity and identifying neurotoxicity mechanisms and neurotoxic disorders.