Neurotoxicants Exposure: Oxidative Stress and Neuropathological Changes

Dear Colleagues,

Neurotoxic substances remain a significant global public health concern, impacting nations regardless of income level. They place severe strain on healthcare and social security systems while contributing to environmental pollution. Both natural and synthetic substances like heavy metals, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides affect the central nervous system, triggering the development of brain pathologies and cognitive impairment.

Once these substances enter the body, they travel through the bloodstream and are absorbed by cells using existing transport systems, mimicking molecular structures. This process disrupts cell structure and metabolism, ultimately leading to cellular dysfunction and death.

Among the most damaging effects triggered by neurotoxic substances, oxidative stress and inflammation stand out as crucial elements in exacerbating cellular and tissue disturbances induced by acute and chronic contamination, since they are closely interconnected biological processes that often occur simultaneously and influence each other in a feedback loop mechanism.

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to detoxify them or repair the resulting damage. Excessive levels of ROS can damage cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to oxidative stress. When oxidative stress surpasses the body’s antioxidant defenses, it can lead to the development of numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. In turn, inflammation can further increase oxidative stress by activating inflammatory pathways that stimulate ROS production.

In the context of this Special Issue, colleagues and experts in the field of neurotoxicology are invited to submit experimental studies that evaluate novel findings regarding the effects of neurotoxic substances at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Additionally, updated reviews scrutinizing the current state of the field are encouraged. Case reports are also welcome contributions.

Dr. Marco Aurelio M. Freire
Dr. Rafael R. Lima
Guest Editors

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• eurotoxicants
• environmental contaminants
• organic pollutants
• experimental models
• oxidative stress
• inflammation
• cell death