Metal chelation therapy in rheumathoid arthritis: a case report

Abstract

Toxic metals are involved in the pathogenesis of some neurodegenerative and vascular diseases and are known to impair the immune system functions. We report here the case of a patient affected by heavy metal intoxication, who had developed an autoimmune disease. There was evidence of aluminium, cadmium and lead intoxication in a 63-year old Italian woman affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We treated the patient with calcium disodium edetate (EDTA) once a week for a year in order to remove traces of heavy metal intoxication. Oxidative status profile was carried out at the beginning and after 6 months' EDTA chelation. At the end of the treatment, the patient did not show any signs of metal intoxication, RA symptoms and oxidative status improved.

Aluminium Involvement in Neurotoxicity

“…In our experience, as shown in previous studies and in the present, removal of toxic metals has induced beneficial effects by improving patient symptoms [29, 33, 34]. No adverse effects were observed from EDTA treatments.…”

Cadmium Toxicity and Treatment

“…Studies in vitro [119] and in vivo [120] suggest that EDTA is superior to DMSA in mobilizing intracellular Cd. In clinical use, EDTA is credited with an anecdotal report of relief of rheumatoid arthritis [121], as well as reduction of oxidative stress [122], and reduction of general metal toxicity [123, 124]. The efficacy of EDTA is apparently improved with concomitant use of glutathione [125] which also protects against nephrotoxicity; efficacy may also be improved with concomitant use of antioxidants [126] including mannitol [127], as well as thiamine [128], methionine [129], or zinc [130].…”

NOSH aspirin may have a protective role in Alzheimer’s disease

“…Heavy metal ions are involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative and vascular diseases [9,12,32]. Treating the patients with calcium disodium edetate may result in removing the intoxicating traces of heavy metals [36]. The neurotoxicity of Ab peptides has been linked to peroxide generation [37].…”

“…Consequently, H 2 S suppresses oxidative stress in the mitochondria. H 2 S can prevent cytokine-or oxidant-induced oxidative damage through its antioxidative effects [36]. Besides, it can inhibit the expression of proinflammatory factors by downregulating NF-jB activation or by upregulating heme oxygenase 1 expression.…”