Impact of heavy metals on human health

Heavy metal exposure is one of the most significant environmental problems and has disastrous consequences for human health. The biological effects of heavy metal toxicity are correlated with their chemical properties. The serious complications associated with these heavy metals, particularly neurotoxicity, have recently attracted the attention of researchers.

* Chromium (Cr) is an environmental heavy metal accidentally present in various industrial processes. According to a report published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2018, Cr(VI) has been classified as a Group I occupational carcinogen.

* Aluminum (Al) is one of the most abundant metallic elements on the planet. It can accumulate over time in vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and brain, where it can cause apparent neurotoxicity and cytotoxicity.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an also endocrine disruptor known for its many environmental toxic effects.

Objectives of the proposal or project idea Research into novel neuroprotective agents derived from natural substances capable of activating antioxidant pathways and inhibiting inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mediators associated with heavy metal neurotoxicity.

Existing partnerships and potential needs for additional partners Scientific collaboration with Cairo University (Egypt) and the University of Clermont-Auvergne (France) I hope to collaborate with a medical pharmaceutical company. Participation in previous or ongoing projects in the field of Neuroprotective effect of tangeretin against chromium-induced acute brain injury. Febuxostat attenuates hepatorenal injury induced by aluminum chloride. Attenuating effect of ferulic acid on neurocognitive dysfunction induced by di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate toxicity.