Metals, autoimmunity, and neuroendocrinology: Is there a connection?
Link: /uploads/arquivos/Metals%2C-autoimmunity%2C-and-neuroendocrinology%281%29.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340645352_Metals_autoimmunity_and_neuroendocrinology_Is_there_a_connection
Geir Bjørklunda,∗, Maryam Dadarb, Salvatore Chirumboloc,d, Jan Aasethe,f, Massimiliano Peanag
a Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
b Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
c Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
d CONEM Scientific Secretary, Verona, Italy
e Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
f IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
g Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
A B S T R A C T
It has been demonstrated that metals can induce autoimmunity. However, few studies have attempted to assess and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action. Recent research has tried to evaluate the possible interactions of the immune system with metal ions, particularly with heavy metals. Research indicates that metals have the potential to induce or promote the development of autoimmunity in humans. Metal-induced inflammation may dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and thus contribute to fatigue and other nonspecific symptoms characterizing disorders related to autoimmune diseases. The toxic effects of several metals are also mediated through free radical formation, cell membrane disturbance, or enzyme inhibition. There are worldwide increases in environmental metal pollution. It is therefore critical that studies on the role of metals in autoimmunity, and neuroendocrine disorders, including effects on the developing immune system and brain and the genetic susceptibility are performed. These studies can lead to efficient preventive strategies and improved therapeutic approaches. In this review, we have retrieved and commented on studies that evaluated the effects of metal toxicity on immune and endocrine-related pathways. This review aims to increase awareness of metals as factors in the onset and progression of autoimmune and neuroendocrine disorders.
Keywords: Metals, Autoimmunity, Neuroendocrinology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.109541
Received 19 November 2019; Received in revised form 4 April 2020; Accepted 14 April 2020
Abbreviations: ANoA, anti-nucleolar antibodies; CNS, central nervous system; CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome; FDA, food and drugs administration; HLA, human
lymphocyte antigen; HPA, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal; mAb, monoclonal antibodies; MCS, multiple chemical sensitivity; MHC, major histocompatibility complex;
PNS, peripheral nervous system
∗ Corresponding author. Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Toften 24 8610, Mo i Rana, Norway.
E-mail address: bjorklund@conem.org (G. Bjørklund).
Environmental Research 186 (2020) 109541
Available online 21 April 2020
0013-9351/ © 2020 Published by
