Abstract
This study aimed to identify the landscape of current aluminum toxicity based on knowledge mapping of the 100 most-cited articles on toxicological aspects of aluminum in biological organisms. The research was searched in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) with publications between 1945 and 2022. Data regarding authorship, title, journal, year of publication, citation count, country, keywords, study design, and research hotspots were extracted and all elected articles were analyzed. Our results showed that among the articles selected, literature review and in vivo studies were the most common study designs. The USA and England were found as the countries with most publications. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), aluminum, and neurotoxicity were found as the most frequent keywords. The articles most cited in world literature suggested that aluminum exposure is associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease (PD), dialysis encephalopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neurodegeneration changes, cognitive impairment, such as bone damage, oxidative alterations, and cytotoxicity.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data Availability
Data and material are available from the corresponding author on a reasonable request.
References
Igbokwe IO, Igwenagu E, Igbokwe NA (2019) Aluminium toxicosis: a review of toxic actions and effects. Interdiscip Toxicol 12:45–70. https://doi.org/10.2478/intox-2019-0007
Niu Q (2018) Overview of the relationship between aluminum exposure and health of human being. Adv Exp Med Biol 1091:1–31
Fermo P, Soddu G, Miani A, Comite V (2020) Quantification of the aluminum content leached into foods baked using aluminum foil. Int J Environ Res Public Health 17:8357. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228357
Ahmad P, Dummer P, Noorani T, Asif J (2019) The top 50 most-cited articles published in the International Endodontic Journal. Int Endod J 52:803–818. https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.13083
Wu Y, Jin X, Xue Y (2017) Evaluation of research topic evolution in psychiatry using co-word analysis. Medicine 96:e7349. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000007349
Hirsch JE (2005) An index to quantify an individual’s scientific research output. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 102:16569–16572. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0507655102
Roldan-Valadez E, Salazar-Ruiz SY, Ibarra-Contreras R, Rios C (2019) Current concepts on bibliometrics: a brief review about impact factor, Eigenfactor score, CiteScore, SCImago Journal Rank, Source-Normalised Impact per Paper, H-index, and alternative metrics. Ir J Med Sci 188:939–951. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-018-1936-5
Van Eck NJ, Waltman L (2010) Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping. Scientometrics 84:523–538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-009-0146-3
Hornung V, Bauernfeind F, Halle A, Samstad EO, Kono H, Rock KL et al (2008) Silica crystals and aluminum salts activate the NALP3 inflammasome through phagosomal destabilization. Nat Immunol 9:847–856. https://doi.org/10.1038/ni.1631
Alfrey AC, LeGendre GR, Kaehny WD (1976) The dialysis encephalopathy syndrome. Possible aluminum intoxication. N Engl J Med 294:184–188. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM197601222940402
Yokel RA (2000) The toxicology of aluminum in the brain: a review. Neurotoxicology 21:813–828
Becaria A, Campbell A, Bondy SC (2002) Aluminum as a toxicant. Toxicol Ind Health 18:309–320. https://doi.org/10.1191/0748233702th157oa
Kumar V, Gill KD (2009) Aluminium neurotoxicity: neurobehavioural and oxidative aspects. Arch Toxicol 83:965–978. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-009-0455-6
Fardi A, Kodonas K, Lillis T, Veis A (2017) Top-cited articles in implant dentistry. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 32:555–564. https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.5331
Crapper DR, Krishnan SS, Dalton AJ (1973) Brain aluminum distribution in Alzheimer’s disease and experimental neurofibrillary degeneration. Science 180:511–513. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.180.4085.511
Crapper DR, Krishnan SS, Quittkat S (1976) Aluminium, neurofibrillary degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. Brain: J Neurol 99:67–80
Arispe N, Rojas E, Pollard HB (1993) Alzheimer disease amyloid beta protein forms calcium channels in bilayer membranes: blockade by tromethamine and aluminum. Proc Natl Acad Sciences 90:567–571. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.90.2.567
Ganrot PO (1986) Metabolism and possible health effects of aluminum. Environ Health Perspect 65:363–441. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8665363
Goyer RA (1997) Toxic and essential metal interactions. Annu Rev Nutr 17:37–50. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.17.1.37
Kawahara M, Muramoto K, Kobayashi K, Mori H, Kuroda Y (1994) Aluminum promotes the aggregation of Alzheimer’s amyloid β-protein in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 198:531–535. https://doi.org/10.1006/bbrc.1994.1078
Oteiza PI (1994) A mechanism for the stimulatory effect of aluminum on iron-induced lipid peroxidation. Arch Biochem Biophys 308:374–379. https://doi.org/10.1006/abbi.1994.1053
Bondy SC (2010) The neurotoxicity of environmental aluminum is still an issue. Neurotoxicology 31:575–581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2010.05.009
Tomljenovic L (2011) Aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease: after a century of controversy, is there a plausible link? J Alzheimers Dis 23:567–598. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-2010-101494
Yokel RA, McNamara PJ (2001) Aluminium toxicokinetics: an updated minireview. Pharmacol Toxicol 88:159–167. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0773.2001.d01-98.x
Verstraeten SV, Aimo L, Oteiza PI (2008) Aluminium and lead: molecular mechanisms of brain toxicity. Arch Toxicol 82:789–802. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-008-0345-3
Yokel RA (2006) Blood-brain barrier flux of aluminum, manganese, iron and other metals suspected to contribute to metal-induced neurodegeneration. J Alzheimers Dis 10:223–253. https://doi.org/10.3233/jad-2006-102-309
Edwardson JA, Moore PB, Ferrier IN, Lilley JS, Barker J, Templar J et al (1993) Effect of silicon on gastrointestinal absorption of aluminium. Lancet 342:11–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/0140-6736(93)92301-9
Soni MG, White SM, Flamm WG, Burdock GA (2001) Safety evaluation of dietary aluminum. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 33:66–79. https://doi.org/10.1006/rtph.2000.1441
Campbell A, Becaria A, Lahiri DK, Sharman K, Bondy SC (2004) Chronic exposure to aluminum in drinking water increases inflammatory parameters selectively in the brain. J Neurosci Res 75:565–572. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.10877
Flaten TP (1990) Geographical associations between aluminium in drinking water and death rates with dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Norway. Environ Geochem Health 12:152–167. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01734064
Flaten TP (2001) Aluminium as a risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease, with emphasis on drinking water. Brain Res Bull 55:187–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0361-9230(01)00459-2
Gauthier E, Fortier I, Courchesne F, Pepin P, Mortimer J, Gauvreau D (2000) Aluminum forms in drinking water and risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Environ Res 84:234–246. https://doi.org/10.1006/enrs.2000.4101
McLachlan DRC, Bergeron C, Smith JE, Boomer D, Rifat SL (1996) Risk for neuropathologically confirmed Alzheimer’s disease and residual aluminum in municipal drinking water employing weighted residential histories. Neurology 46:401–405. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.46.2.401
Rondeau V, Commenges D, Jacqmin-Gadda H, Dartigues JF (2000) Relation between aluminum concentrations in drinking water and Alzheimer’s disease: an 8-year follow-up study. Am J Epidemiol 152:59–66. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/152.1.59
Rondeau V, Jacqmin-Gadda H, Commenges D, Helmer C, Dartigues JF (2009) Aluminum and silica in drinking water and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline: findings from 15-year follow-up of the PAQUID cohort. Am J Epidemiol 169:489–496. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwn348
Srinivasan PT, Viraraghavan T, Subramanian KS (1999) Aluminium in drinking water: an overview. Water Sa 25:47–55
Varner JA, Jensen KF, Horvath W, Isaacson RL (1998) Chronic administration of aluminum–fluoride or sodium–fluoride to rats in drinking water: alterations in neuronal and cerebrovascular integrity. Brain Res 784:284–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-8993(97)01336-x
Altschuler E (1999) Aluminum-containing antacids as a cause of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Med Hypotheses 53:22–23. https://doi.org/10.1054/mehy.1997.0701
Good PF, Perl DP, Bierer LM, Schmeidler J (1992) Selective accumulation of aluminum and iron in the neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer’s disease: a laser microprobe (LAMMA) study. Ann Neurol 31:286–292. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.410310310
Kawahara M (2005) Effects of aluminum on the nervous system and its possible link with neurodegenerative diseases. J Alzheimer’s Dis 8:171–182. https://doi.org/10.3233/jad-2005-8210
Yasui M, Kihira T, Ota K (1992) Calcium, magnesium and aluminum concentrations in Parkinson’s disease. Neurotoxicology 13:593–600
Hirsch EC, Brandel JP, Galle P, Javoy-Agid F, Agid Y (1991) Iron and aluminum increase in the substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson’s disease: an X-ray microanalysis. J Neurochem 56:446–451. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-4159.1991.tb08170.x
Alfrey AC, Hegg A, Craswell P (1980) Metabolism and toxicity of aluminum in renal failure. Am J Clin Nutr 33:1509–1516. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/33.7.1509
Crapper DR, Quittkat S, Krishnan SS, Dalton AJ, De Boni U (1980) Intranuclear aluminum content in Alzheimer’s disease, dialysis encephalopathy, and experimental aluminum encephalopathy. Acta Neuropathol 50:19–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00688530
Elliott HL, Dryburgh F, Fell GS, Sabet S, Macdougall AI (1978) Aluminium toxicity during regular haemodialysis. Br Med J 1:1101–1103. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.6120.1101
Parkinson IS, Ward MK, Kerr D (1981) Dialysis encephalopathy, bone disease and anaemia: the aluminum intoxication syndrome during regular haemodialysis. J Clin Pathol 34:1285. https://doi.org/10.1136/jcp.34.11.1285
Sideman S, Manor D (1982) The dialysis dementia syndrome and aluminum intoxication. Nephron 31:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1159/000182595
Hussain SM, Hess KL, Gearhart JM, Geiss KT, Schlager JJ (2005) In vitro toxicity of nanoparticles in BRL 3A rat liver cells. Toxicol In Vitro 19:975–983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2005.06.034
Di Virgilio AL, Reigosa M, Arnal PM, De Mele MFL (2010) Comparative study of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of titanium oxide and aluminium oxide nanoparticles in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells. J Hazard Mater 177:711–718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.12.089
Trapp GA, Miner GD, Zimmerman RL, Mastri AR, Heston LL (1978) Aluminum levels in brain in Alzheimer’s disease. Biol Psychiatry 13:709–718
Walton JR (2007) An aluminum-based rat model for Alzheimer’s disease exhibits oxidative damage, inhibition of PP2A activity, hyperphosphorylated tau, and granulovacuolar degeneration. J Inorg Biochem 101:1275–1284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2007.06.001
El-Demerdash FM (2004) Antioxidant effect of vitamin E and selenium on lipid peroxidation, enzyme activities and biochemical parameters in rats exposed to aluminium. J Trace Elem Med Biol 18:113–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2004.04.001
Yousef MI (2004) Aluminium-induced changes in hemato-biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation and enzyme activities of male rabbits: protective role of ascorbic acid. Toxicology 199:47–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2004.02.014
Funding
RRL is a researcher from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and received grant under number 312275/2021–8. The APC was funded by Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-graduação from Federal University of Pará (PROPESP-UFPA).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
Weslley F. de Lima and Rafael R. Lima: conceptualization; Weslley F. de Lima, Yago G. S. Né, and Rafael R. Lima: data curation; formal analysis; Rafael R. Lima: funding acquisition; Weslley F. de Lima, Yago G. S. Né, and Walessa A. B. Aragão: investigation; Walessa A. B. Aragão, Luciana Eiró-Quirino, and Daiane C. Baia-da-Silva: methodology; Rafael R. Lima: project administration; resources; Daiane C. Baia-da-Silva: software and validation; Rafael R. Lima: supervision and visualization; Walessa A. B. Aragão and Luciana Eiró-Quirino: roles/writing—original draft; Ana Cirovic, Aleksandar Cirovic, and Rafael R. Lima: writing—review and editing. All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Ethical Approval
Not applicable.
Consent to Participate
Not applicable.
Consent for Publication
Not applicable.
Competing Interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
de Lima, W.F., Né, Y.G.S., Aragão, W.A.B. et al. Global Scientific Research Landscape on Aluminum Toxicology. Biol Trace Elem Res 201, 3210–3224 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-022-03427-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-022-03427-9