Lead, cadmium and mercury in cerebrospinal fluid and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case-control study

Abstract

Exposure to neurotoxic chemicals such as pesticides, selenium, and heavy metals have been suggested to play a role in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We assessed exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury in 38 ALS patients (16 men and 22 females) and 38 hospital-admitted controls by using their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) content as biomarker. We determined CSF heavy metal levels with inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry, according to a methodology specifically developed for this biological matrix. ALS patients had higher median values for Pb (155 vs. 132 ng/l) but lower levels for Cd (36 vs. 72 ng/l) and Hg (196 vs. 217 ng/l). In the highest tertile of exposure, ALS odds ratio was 1.39 (95% CI 0.48 to 4.25) for Pb, 0.29 (0.08 to 1.04) for Cd and 3.03 (0.52-17.55) for Hg; however, no dose-response relation emerged. Results were substantially confirmed after conducting various sensitivity analyses, and after stratification for age and sex. Though interpretation of these results is limited by the statistical imprecision of the estimates, and by the possibility that CSF heavy metal content may not reflect long-term antecedent exposure, they do not lend support to a role of the heavy metals cadmium, lead and mercury in ALS etiology.

Population-based study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and occupational lead exposure in Denmark

“…Additionally, as Pb can accumulate over years and be stored in bone, it can later be metabolised and mobilise to other tissues, including the brain, where it can easily cross the blood–brain barrier into neural tissues 31. Therefore, several studies have investigated associations between ALS and Pb exposure using various biomarkers, including cerebrospinal fluid,32 blood33 34 and bone 34. Although some Pb biomarker studies have indicated significantly elevated associations with risk of ALS,33 other studies reported elevated, but not significant, associations 32.…”

“…Therefore, several studies have investigated associations between ALS and Pb exposure using various biomarkers, including cerebrospinal fluid,32 blood33 34 and bone 34. Although some Pb biomarker studies have indicated significantly elevated associations with risk of ALS,33 other studies reported elevated, but not significant, associations 32. However, with the exception of bone Pb, a major problem in using biomarkers as a measure for Pb exposure is that they may not capture historical exposures and thus would not serve as a relevant indicator of neurotoxicity experienced for several years prior to ALS diagnosis.…”

Occupational physician and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: needs and training and information tools

“…Data in the literature do not agree, compared with studies supporting the relationship between metal exposure and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (32)(33)(34) and there are others that don't confirm report. Recently, Vinceti et al (35) have not confirmed the association between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and exposure to lead, cadmium and mercury. Fang et al (36) have evaluated that in US veterans with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis blood lead levels were higher than controls and suggested the association between high levels of lead in the blood and increased risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.…”

A novel optical probe based on d‐penicillamine‐functionalized graphene quantum dots: Preparation and application as signal amplification element to minoring of ions in human biofluid

“…In addition, harmful degenerative bone diseases may occur as a result of toxic effect of cadmium . Besides, mercury and lead may lead to central nervous system abnormalities …”

“…23 Besides, mercury and lead may lead to central nervous system abnormalities. 24 On the other hand, the eye-catching importance of ions in industry cannot be neglected. Water pollution is the other most harmful effects of metals in industry, which is a great concern for both society and government.…”