Blood levels of trace metals and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract

Some trace metals may increase risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), whereas others may be beneficial. Our goal was to examine associations of ALS with blood levels of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn). We conducted a case-control study of 163 neurologist confirmed patients from the National Registry of Veterans with ALS and 229 frequency-matched veteran controls. We measured metal levels in blood using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between ALS and a doubling of metal levels using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. ALS was inversely associated with both Se (OR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8) and Zn (OR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8). Inverse associations with Se were stronger in patients with bulbar compared to spinal onset, worse function, longer diagnostic delay, and longer collection delay; inverse associations with Zn were stronger for those with worse function and longer collection delay. In contrast, ALS was positively associated with Cu (OR=3.4, 95% CI: 1.5–7.9). For Mn, no linear trend was evident (OR=0.9, 95% CI: 0.6–1.3, Ptrend=0.51). Associations of Se, Zn, Cu, and Mn with ALS were independent of one another. Adjustment for lead levels attenuated the positive association of ALS with Cu but did not change associations with Se, Zn, or Mn. In conclusion, Se and Zn were inversely associated with ALS, particularly among those with worse function, suggesting that supplementation with these metals may benefit such patients, while Cu was positively associated with ALS. Deficiencies of Se and Zn and excess Cu may have a role in ALS etiology.

Dietary intake and zinc status in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

“…Corroborating this, Roos et al (37) found low plasma zinc content in patients with ALS. Moreover, Peters et al (38), in a case-control study, observed an inverse association between serum zinc concentration and ALS. This association was stronger in those with worse function, suggesting that zinc may play a role in the etiology of ALS and that supplementation with this mineral may benefit these patients.…”

Controlled population-based comparative study of USA and international adult [55-74] neurological deaths 1989-2014

“…Including such factors as occupation, heavy metals, petro‐chemicals, organophosphate/pesticides26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and possible influence of electromagnetic field (EMF)18, 25, 31 and military service 32. Although not all studies related to ALS have consistently reported environmental factors,33 the majority have highlighted environmental factors rather than longevity4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 as well as epigenetic changes,33, 34, 35 whist recently, research had linked rises in dementias to proximity to major roads 30…”

Клініко-Патогенетична Значущість Остеоасоційованих Мікроелементів При Хворобах Суглобів. Повідомлення ІІ. Мікроелементоз У Волоссі

“…Дефицит Zn в организме больных ОА усугубляется при наличии инсулинорезистентности с метаболическим синдромом, а тот, в свою очередь, усиливает процессы свободнорадикального окисления в артикулярных тканях [12,19]. Низкий уровень Zn является фактором риска поражений периферической нервной системы, а содержание этого МЭ в крови никак не связано с концентрациями Cu, Mn и Pb [15]. Через систему цинксвязывающего белка металлотионеина недостаток в организме больных РА и ОА Zn определяет повышенный синтез синовиоцитами провоспалительных цитокинов -туморонекротического фактора α, интерлейкина-6 и -17 [3].…”