Pharmacological Roles of Lithium in Treatment of Diseases: New Insights

Lithium is a delicate, silvery-white alkali metal, the smallest monovalent cation with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. The present study aimed to discuss the current knowledge of Lithium's pharmacological and toxicological effects, as well as future perspectives on its application in treating various diseases in laboratory animals. Lithium is currently being investigated for its potential role in maintaining beta-cell activity and reducing insulin resistance in mammals, as it exhibits a diverse array of biological effects. The basis of bipolar disorder medication for acute mood periods, switch prevention, preventative treatment, and suicide prevention has been and still is lithium. Lithium has lately been investigated in several neurodegenerative diseases and other psychoses. It has demonstrated potential benefits in experimental animals in avoiding neurodegeneration and brain damage. Neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain damage, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, mercury poisoning, alcoholism, and drug dependence, may benefit from lithium's neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities. Lithium supports neuronal survival, repairs damage, reduces inflammation and cell death, promotes neurogenesis, maintains cell membranes, and affects signaling pathways related to brain health and recovery. In conclusion, lithium remains a key treatment for bipolar disease due to its mood-stabilizing effects and capacity to lower the risk of relapse and suicide. However, accumulating data suggested that lithium may affect glucose metabolism, potentially causing insulin resistance or decreased glucose tolerance in some people. Additionally, Lithium in rats has anti-inflammatory properties with markedly reduced insulin resistance. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring metabolic health during long-term lithium treatment to ensure optimal psychiatric and physical health.