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Subcortical Microstructural Changes Associated with Multiple Metal Exposure

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Metal exposure has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study examined microstructural changes in subcortical motor areas associated with chronic metal exposure. Subjects with/without a welding history (metal-exposed subjects; n = 23 and controls; n = 24) were examined. Brain microstructural differences were assessed by MRI diffusion metrics [mean (MD), axial (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and fractional anisotropy (FA)] in subcortical motor areas [nigro–basal ganglia–thalamic circuit: substantia nigra (SN), caudate nucleus (CN), putamen, globus pallidus (GP), and thalamus; dentatorubral circuit: dentate nucleus (DN) and red nucleus (RN)]. Metal exposure was estimated by lifetime welding years, whole blood metal levels, and T1 and R2* (1/T2*) metrics (estimates of brain metal accumulation). Compared to controls, metal-exposed subjects displayed higher diffusivities in the GP and thalamus (p’s < 0.033) but lower FA values in the putamen, SN, and thalamus (p’s < 0.039) without differences in DN and RN (p’s > 0.115). Blood metal mixtures predicted higher GP and SN T1 metrics (p’s < 0.05). Higher T1 metrics predicted higher GP and TH diffusivities and lower SN and TH FA values (p’s < 0.044). Higher blood vanadium levels predicted lower SN FA values (p = 0.009). Multiple metal exposure may be associated with microstructural compromises within the nigro–basal ganglia–thalamic circuit, while the dentatorubral circuit remains relatively spared, a pattern resembling that of PD at-risk populations.

Source: Toxics

DOI: 10.3390/toxics14100911

Author: Eun-Young Lee

Institution: Dong-A University

Language: English

Topic: Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137