Neurodegenerative effects of boron and other elements on zebrafish and zebrafish embryos

Zebrafish are a valuable model for studying neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) because of their rapid development, high reproductivity, and genetic similarity to humans. Their transparency during their early developmental stages and well-characterized nervous system renders them highly valuable for observing neurodevelopmental processes and identifying substances that can be harmful or protective. Various elements have been studied in zebrafish models to gain a clearer understanding of their roles in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. These elements can influence cellular pathways associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial function, which are crucial in developing NDs. This review examines how different elements, such as boron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, manganese, copper, lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, aluminum, silicon, cobalt, nickel, titanium, and tin, affect neural tissues in zebrafish. By synthesizing data from studies on neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects of different elements, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of their interaction with neuronal systems. Research in this area continues to uncover these elements’ specific mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications in protecting neural tissues. A better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.