Research progress on neurotoxicity of fluoride and its effects on neurological function and behavior

Fluorine is a common chemical element. Excessive intake of fluoride can lead to fluorosis. Fluoride easily passes through the blood-brain barrier and accumulates in different brain regions, causing pathological changes in brain tissue. It leads to adverse effects on neuronal metabolism, enzyme, protein function, neurotransmitters, and redox homeostasis, and subsequently neuronal damage and neurodegenerative diseases in humans and experimental animals. This paper reviewed the effects and important mechanisms of fluoride on neurological function and behavior, involving mitochondrial toxicity, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and autophagy, and activation of pro-inflammatory factors. It provided a reference for further studying the mechanisms of brain damage induced by fluorosis.