0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Human Health Effects Policy & Risk Remediation Sign in to save

The Morbid Impact of Environmental Toxins on the Human Nervous System: Peripheral Neuropathy Nexus with Organic Solvents, Pesticides, and Heavy Metals

European journal of ecology, biology and agriculture. 2024 3 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 50 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Nicholas A Kerna, Dabeluchi C. Ngwu, Kevin D. Pruitt, N.D. Victor Carsrud, Daylin Rodriguez, Hilary M. Holets, John V. Flores, Sudeep Chawla, Ugochukwu G. Alozie, Cornelius I. Azi, Devin McKee, Amar Humam

Summary

This review examines how environmental toxins including organic solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals contribute to peripheral neuropathy, a condition involving damage to the peripheral nerves. Researchers found that these toxins exert neurotoxic effects through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruption of nerve signaling. The study highlights the need for better awareness and preventive strategies to reduce occupational and environmental exposure to these harmful substances.

Body Systems
Models

Peripheral neuropathy is a complex disorder characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in various sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms. This review offers a detailed examination of peripheral neuropathy, covering its prevalence, effects on individuals and society, causes, diagnosis, mechanisms, treatment, and management, focusing on its association with environmental toxins. The etiology of peripheral neuropathy is multifactorial, encompassing diverse causes such as diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, infections, vitamin deficiencies, toxic exposures, and genetic factors. Notably, environmental toxins, including organic solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy. Environmental toxins exert their neurotoxic effects through various mechanisms, including disruption of neuronal membrane integrity, interference with neurotransmission, induction of oxidative stress, and promotion of inflammatory responses. Accurate diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy involves a comprehensive medical history, neurological examination, electrophysiological studies, imaging tests, and laboratory investigations to identify underlying causes, including environmental toxin exposure. Treatment strategies for environmental toxin-induced peripheral neuropathy focus on eliminating exposure, managing symptoms, and preventing further nerve damage. Pharmacological interventions, adjunctive therapies, nutritional support, regular monitoring, and patient education are integral to management. A multidisciplinary approach is fundamental for diagnosing and managing peripheral neuropathy effectively, emphasizing identifying and mitigating environmental toxin exposure to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Heavy Metals and Emerging Contaminants in Foods and Food Products Associated with Neurotoxicity

This review examines how heavy metals and emerging contaminants in food, including microplastics, can cause damage to the nervous system. Researchers found that these substances can cross into the brain and contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and nerve cell damage. The study highlights the importance of monitoring food contamination to protect neurological health.

Article Tier 2

The interplay of environmental factors and neuroscience: Investigating tissue damage in environmental diseases

This editorial explores how environmental neurotoxins including air pollutants, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals cause tissue-specific damage in the central nervous system, contributing to neurodegenerative disease risk. The authors review recent findings connecting environmental exposures to neurological pathology.

Article Tier 2

Effect of Environmental Pollutants on Neurological Disorders

This review examines how environmental pollutants — including heavy metals, pesticides, and plastic-associated chemicals — contribute to rising rates of neurological disorders, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Exposure to these pollutants affects even unborn children in the womb, highlighting the need for pollution reduction as a public health priority.

Article Tier 2

The brain and the environment: warning, fragile!

This commentary discusses the neurotoxic risks posed by environmental contaminants including heavy metals, pesticides, and emerging pollutants such as microplastics, highlighting the brain's particular vulnerability due to its high lipid content and long lifespan of neurons. The authors call for stronger precautionary regulation of neuroactive environmental chemicals given the irreversible nature of neurological damage.

Article Tier 2

Neurotoxicity in Marine Invertebrates: An Update

This review updates the current understanding of neurotoxicity caused by environmental pollutants, including microplastics, in marine invertebrates. Researchers summarize evidence showing that contaminants can disrupt neurotransmitter systems, impair behavioral responses, and cause oxidative damage to nervous tissue in species like mollusks and crustaceans. The study highlights the importance of marine invertebrates as bioindicators for assessing the neurological impacts of emerging pollutants in ocean ecosystems.

Share this paper