Arsenic Exposure and Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing: A Focus on Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Background:: Arsenic is present in above permissible safe limits in groundwater, soil, and food, in various areas of the world. This is increasing exposure to humankind and affecting health in various ways. Alternation in cognition is one among them. Epidemiological research has reflected the impact of arsenic exposure on children in the form of diminished cognition. Aims:: Considering this fact, the present study reviewed the impact of arsenic on amyloid precursor protein, which is known to cause one of the commonest cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Methods:: The present study reviews the arsenic role in the generation of amyloid-beta from its precursor that leads to Alzheimer’s disease through the published article from Pubmed and Scopus. Description:: According to the findings, regular, long-term exposure to arsenic beginning in infancy changes numerous arsenic level-regulating regions in the rat brain, which are related to cognitive impairments. Arsenic also affects the BBB clearance route by increasing RAGE expression. Arsenic triggers the proamyloidogenic pathway by increasing APP expression and subsequently, its processing by β-secretase and presenilin. Arsenic also affects mitochondrial dynamics, DNA repair pathway and epigenetic changes. The mechanism behind all these changes is explained in the present review article. Conclusion:: A raised level of arsenic exposure affects the amyloid precursor protein, a factor for the early precipitation of Alzheimer’s disease.