Exploring the intersecting paths between metabolic disorders and neurological manifestations

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Authors: Nermin Eissa, Dana Chkier, Aala Ahmed, Reem T. Attia, Mohammed Zia, Rami Beiram, Bassem Sadek
Cited by: 2
References: 127

Abstract

The metabolic derangements associated with inborn errors of metabolism, metabolic syndrome, and defective autophagy have been linked to neurological manifestations and an increased risk of developing certain neurological diseases or worsening their prognosis. Said metabolic derangements are primarily a consequence of genetic mutations that result in deficiencies of essential cellular components or the accumulation of toxic metabolites that negatively impact neuronal morphology and functionality. Additionally, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, increased quantity and damage of nonneuronal cells, diminished synaptic plasticity, and impediment of protein and neurotransmitter synthesis, among many others, are all neurological implications associated with various metabolic disarrangements. The past few decades have shown substantial efforts in linking various neurological pathologies to genetic variants of metabolic disorders. This review explores the implications of several inborn errors of metabolism, such as phenylketonuria, Wilson's disease, maple syrup urine disease, POLG -related diseases, and lysosomal storage diseases, and the implications of the components of metabolic syndrome in neuronal dysfunction and their link to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and epilepsy. The correlation between defective autophagy, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurodevelopmental diseases is also explored at a molecular level. Congenital disorders of autophagy and their link to neurological pathologies are also discussed. Hence, these correlations provide insight into the underlying biological mechanism of metabolic diseases from a neurological standpoint. This review emphasizes the cruciality of understanding metabolic diseases as important variables in neurological health as well as isolated systemic problems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neurological and metabolic disorders Diet and metabolism studies Alcoholism and Thiamine Deficiency

Publication details

Journal / source
Heliyon
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
12
Issue
4
Pages
e44658–e44658
Publication date
1 March 2026
Language
EN