A new study has recently revealed that individuals with higher metal levels in their blood and urine are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is a neurodegenerative condition that is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including exposure to pesticides and metals, according to researchers.
In this study, researchers looked at the amount of metals in the blood and urine of people with and without ALS. Researchers have found that being exposed to certain metals or a combination of metals increases the risk of developing ALS and reduces the lifespan of those affected
One of the researchers, Stephen Goutman said that metal exposure to ALS is a significant risk factor. Previous studies have also linked metal exposure to ALS risk. Hence it is very important to understand how these metal mixtures increase the risk of ALS and identify those at greatest risk or most susceptible to exposure.
In this study, researchers involved 450 people with ALS and 300 people without ALS. They collected their plasma and urine samples and checked the levels of metals. When researchers observed these samples, they found elevated levels of some metals, such as zinc, copper selenium. These levels were linked to a higher risk of ALS and earlier death.
The study used these findings to create environmental ALS risk scores that are similar to the polygenic risk scores at U-M. The scores showed that metal mixtures in plasma and urine increase the risk of this disease.
Researchers also found that the inclusion of an ALS polygenic risk score did not alter the association between metal exposure and disease risk or survival.
Researchers of this study said that this study highlights the complex relationship between genes and the environment on disease risk. It also suggests that future research can explore other genetic factors or pathways that are involved in ALS risk and metal metabolism.
Researchers also found that individuals in occupations with higher metal exposure levels had higher metal mixtures in their blood and urine. This confirms a previous study that has found ALS patients reported higher occupational exposure to metals before diagnosis.
This research was recently published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. It is very important for human health. Experts can make some strategies that can reduce the risk of exposure to metals. They should also consider occupational and environmental factors when assessing a person’s overall exposure risk.
Reference Link:
Multiple metal exposures associate with higher amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk and mortality independent of genetic risk and correlate to self-reported exposures: a case-control study, Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (2024).
