Neuron Protection by EDTA May Explain the Successful Outcomes of Toxic Metal Chelation Therapy in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Many mechanisms have been related to the etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. In this context, the detrimental role of environmental agents has also been highlighted. Studies focused on the role of toxic metals in the pathogenesis of ND demonstrate the efficacy of treatment with the chelating agent calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in eliminating toxic metal burden in all ND patients, improving their symptoms. Lead, cadmium, aluminum, nickel, and mercury were the most important toxic metals detected in these patients. Here, I provide an updated review on the damage to neurons promoted by toxic metals and on the impact of EDTA chelation therapy in ND patients, along with the clinical description of a representative case.

Chelation Therapy Associated with Antioxidant Supplementation Can Decrease Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis: Preliminary Results

“…Two MS subjects discontinued their study participation. The chelation tests showed that all MS patients had high toxic metals levels, and, as previously reported, these levels significantly decreased when measured at the end of treatment [47].…”

The Blood Concentration of Metallic Nanoparticles Is Related to Cognitive Performance in People with Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Analysis

“…In a previous study conducted by our group [12], we demonstrated decreased blood concentrations of beryllium, copper, chromium, cobalt, nickel, magnesium, and iron, along with an increased lead concentration in pwMS. In addition, the role of metals as risk factors in the etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases is now recognized, as well as their potential involvement to cause neuronal damage in MS [31]. Thus, it is plausible to propose that the imbalance in blood concentrations of metallic nanoparticles may serve as a biomarker in MS.…”

“…In addition, the bloodbrain barrier controls the transport of metal elements into the brain [34], which is regulated by the homeostasis of metals, especially zinc [35]. Specifically, metal ions interact with specific receptors in the endothelial lining, such as DMT1 and zinc transporters (ZIP8 and ZIP10), to cross the barrier and directly interact with cellular components in the CNS [31]. This interaction can lead to mitochondrial imbalance and increased production of reactive oxygen species, contributing to oxidative stress [31].…”

The Progress in Molecular Transport and Therapeutic Development in Human Blood–Brain Barrier Models in Neurological Disorders

“…Except for the disruptive effect of metals, it was shown that zinc (Zn) may have beneficial effect by blocing the action of cadmium, thus preventing ZO-1 downregulation and dislocation (Branca et al 2022 ). Interestingly, barrier disarrangement by heavy metals could be treated with chelation therapies (Ferrero 2022 ).…”