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Zhang J, Cao W, Xie J, Pang C, Gao L, Zhu L, Li Y, Yu H, Du L, Fan D, Deng B. Metabolic Syndrome and Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Insights from a Large-Scale Prospective Study. Ann Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38934512 DOI: 10.1002/ana.27019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although metabolic abnormalities are implicated in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases, their role in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains a subject of controversy. We aimed to identify the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the risk of ALS. METHODS This study included 395,987 participants from the UK Biobank to investigate the relationship between MetS and ALS. Cox regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR). Stratified analyses were performed based on gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and education level. Mediation analysis was conducted to explore potential mechanisms. RESULTS In this study, a total of 539 cases of ALS were recorded after a median follow-up of 13.7 years. Patients with MetS (defined harmonized) had a higher risk of developing ALS after adjusting for confounding factors (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.19-1.89). Specifically, hypertension and high triglycerides were linked to a higher risk of ALS (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.19-1.95; HR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.06-1.61, respectively). Moreover, the quantity of metabolic abnormalities showed significant results. Stratified analysis revealed that these associations are particularly significant in individuals with a BMI <25. These findings remained stable after sensitivity analysis. Notably, mediation analysis identified potential metabolites and metabolomic mediators, including alkaline phosphatase, cystatin C, γ-glutamyl transferase, saturated fatty acids to total fatty acids percentage, and omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids ratio. INTERPRETATION MetS exhibits a robust association with an increased susceptibility to ALS, particularly in individuals with a lower BMI. Furthermore, metabolites and metabolomics, as potential mediators, provide invaluable insights into the intricate biological mechanisms. ANN NEUROL 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wen Cao
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, National Health Commission/Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiali Xie
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyang Pang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lingfei Gao
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Luyi Zhu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yaojia Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lihuai Du
- College of Mathematics and Physics, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, National Health Commission/Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Binbin Deng
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Brown A, Armon C, Barkhaus P, Beauchamp M, Bertorini T, Bromberg M, Cadavid JM, Carter GT, Crayle J, Feldman EL, Heiman-Patterson T, Jhooty S, Linares A, Li X, Mallon E, Mcdermott C, Mushannen T, Nathaniel G, Pattee G, Pierce K, Ratner D, Slactova L, Wicks P, Bedlack R. ALSUntangled #72: Insulin. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:416-419. [PMID: 38018119 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2288110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
ALSUntangled reviews alternative and off-label treatments for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS). Here we review insulin, which has at least one plausible mechanism for slowing ALS progression. However, pre-clinical studies are limited and there have been no trials in PALS yet. Insulin use in patients without a metabolic need may cause very serious and potentially lethal side effects. While further studies to evaluate potential benefits may be warranted, at this time we cannot endorse insulin treatment to slow ALS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Carmel Armon
- Department of Neurology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Paul Barkhaus
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Tulio Bertorini
- Neurology Department, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mark Bromberg
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Gregory T Carter
- Department of Rehabilitation, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | | | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Sartaj Jhooty
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Gary Pattee
- Department of Neurology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Pierce
- Department of Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dylan Ratner
- Undergraduate, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lenka Slactova
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic, and
| | - Paul Wicks
- Independent Consultant, Lichfield, England, UK
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3
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Rotem RS, Bellavia A, Paganoni S, Weisskopf MG. Medication use and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: using machine learning for an exposome-wide screen of a large clinical database. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:367-375. [PMID: 38426489 PMCID: PMC11075178 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2320878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that non-genetic factors have important etiologic roles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), yet identification of specific culprit factors has been challenging. Many medications target biological pathways implicated in ALS pathogenesis, and screening large pharmacologic datasets for signals could greatly accelerate the identification of risk-modulating pharmacologic factors for ALS. METHOD We conducted a high-dimensional screening of patients' history of medication use and ALS risk using an advanced machine learning approach based on gradient-boosted decision trees coupled with Bayesian model optimization and repeated data sampling. Clinical and medication dispensing data were obtained from a large Israeli health fund for 501 ALS cases and 4,998 matched controls using a lag period of 3 or 5 years prior to ALS diagnosis for ascertaining medication exposure. RESULTS Of over 1,000 different medication classes, we identified 8 classes that were consistently associated with increased ALS risk across independently trained models, where most are indicated for control of symptoms implicated in ALS. Some suggestive protective effects were also observed, notably for vitamin E. DISCUSSION Our results indicate that use of certain medications well before the typically recognized prodromal period was associated with ALS risk. This could result because these medications increase ALS risk or could indicate that ALS symptoms can manifest well before suggested prodromal periods. The results also provide further evidence that vitamin E may be a protective factor for ALS. Targeted studies should be performed to elucidate the possible pathophysiological mechanisms while providing insights for therapeutics design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran S Rotem
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- KSM Research and Innovation Institute, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Israel
| | - Andrea Bellavia
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Scarian E, Viola C, Dragoni F, Di Gerlando R, Rizzo B, Diamanti L, Gagliardi S, Bordoni M, Pansarasa O. New Insights into Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2698. [PMID: 38473944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are two important and well-studied pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Due to elevated oxygen consumption, the high presence of easily oxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids and the weak antioxidant defenses, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative injury. Uncertainty exists over whether these deficits contribute to the development of NDDs or are solely a consequence of neuronal degeneration. Furthermore, these two pathological hallmarks are linked, and it is known that OS can affect the inflammatory response. In this review, we will overview the last findings about these two pathways in the principal NDDs. Moreover, we will focus more in depth on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to understand how anti-inflammatory and antioxidants drugs have been used for the treatment of this still incurable motor neuron (MN) disease. Finally, we will analyze the principal past and actual clinical trials and the future perspectives in the study of these two pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveljn Scarian
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Viola
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Dragoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Di Gerlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Bartolo Rizzo
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Diamanti
- Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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5
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Potenza RL, Armida M, Popoli P. Can Some Anticancer Drugs Be Repurposed to Treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? A Brief Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1751. [PMID: 38339026 PMCID: PMC10855887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare progressive motor neuron disease that, due to its high complexity, still lacks effective treatments. Development of a new drug is a highly costly and time-consuming process, and the repositioning of approved drugs can represent an efficient strategy to provide therapeutic opportunities. This is particularly true for rare diseases, which are characterised by small patient populations and therefore attract little commercial interest. Based on the overlap between the biological background of cancer and neurodegeneration, the repurposing of antineoplastic drugs for ALS has been suggested. The objective of this narrative review was to summarise the current experimental evidence on the use of approved anticancer drugs in ALS. Specifically, anticancer drugs belonging to different classes were found to act on mechanisms involved in the ALS pathogenesis, and some of them proved to exert beneficial effects in ALS models. However, additional studies are necessary to confirm the real therapeutic potential of anticancer drugs for repositioning in ALS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (P.P.)
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Litvinov VV, Freynd GG. [Clinical and morphologic characterization of Pick's dementia: case report and review of the literature]. Arkh Patol 2024; 86:51-57. [PMID: 39073543 DOI: 10.17116/patol20248604151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Diseases morphologically characterized by frontotemporal lobar degeneration have relatively recently been considered as a group of frontotemporal dementias. This group is characterized by a tendency to early clinical onset of dementia, common genetic and morphological features, as well as a possible association with diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and atypical parkinsonism syndrome. Historically, Pick's dementia (Pick's disease) was described as the first of the frontotemporal dementias, which is morphologically characterized by the presence of argyrophilic Pick's bodies represented by 3R-tau protein in the neurons of the cerebral cortex. Despite the characteristic clinical and morphological picture due to the relative rarity, the diagnosis of Pick's dementia is infrequently made by both clinicians and pathologists. The article presents current data on frontotemporal dementia. A case of Pick's dementia with characteristic clinical manifestations in the form of early onset of behavioral and personality disorders, as well as specific morphological changes in the brain, is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Litvinov
- Perm State Medical University named after academician E.A. Wagner, Perm, Russia
| | - G G Freynd
- Perm State Medical University named after academician E.A. Wagner, Perm, Russia
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Scholz SW, Moroz BE, Saez-Atienzar S, Chia R, Cahoon EK, Dalgard CL, Freedman DM, Pfeiffer RM. Association of cardiovascular disease management drugs with Lewy body dementia: a case-control study. Brain Commun 2023; 6:fcad346. [PMID: 38162907 PMCID: PMC10754316 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Lewy body dementia is the second most common neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Disease-modifying therapies for this disabling neuropsychiatric condition are critically needed. To identify drugs associated with the risk of developing Lewy body dementia, we performed a population-based case-control study of 148 170 US Medicare participants diagnosed with Lewy body dementia between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2014 and of 1 253 043 frequency-matched controls. We estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association of Lewy body dementia risk with 1017 prescription drugs overall and separately for the three major racial groups (Black, Hispanic and White Americans). We identified significantly reduced Lewy body dementia risk associated with drugs used to treat cardiovascular diseases (anti-hypertensives: odds ratio = 0.72, 95% confidence interval = 0.70-0.74, P-value = 0; cholesterol-lowering agents: odds ratio = 0.85, 95% confidence interval = 0.83-0.87, P-value = 0; anti-diabetics: odds ratio = 0.83, 95% confidence interval = 0.62-0.72, P-value = 0). Notably, anti-diabetic medications were associated with a larger risk reduction among Black Lewy body dementia patients compared with other racial groups (Black: odds ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval = 0.62-0.72, P-value = 0; Hispanic: odds ratio = 0.86, 95% = 0.80-0.92, P-value = 5.16 × 10-5; White: odds ratio = 0.85, 95% confidence interval = 0.82-0.88, P-value = 0). To independently confirm the epidemiological findings, we looked for evidence of genetic overlap between Lewy body dementia and cardiovascular traits using whole-genome sequence data generated for 2591 Lewy body dementia patients and 4027 controls. Bivariate mixed modelling identified shared genetic risk between Lewy body dementia and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. By combining epidemiological and genomic data, we demonstrated that drugs treating cardiovascular diseases are associated with reduced Lewy body dementia risk, and these associations varied across racial groups. Future randomized clinical trials need to confirm our findings, but our data suggest that assiduous management of cardiovascular diseases may be beneficial in this understudied form of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja W Scholz
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brian E Moroz
- Biostatistics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sara Saez-Atienzar
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Ruth Chia
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Cahoon
- Biostatistics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Clifton L Dalgard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- The American Genome Center, Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Daryl Michal Freedman
- Biostatistics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ruth M Pfeiffer
- Biostatistics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Nicoletti A, Baschi R, Cicero CE, Iacono S, Re VL, Luca A, Schirò G, Monastero R. Sex and gender differences in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a narrative review. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 212:111821. [PMID: 37127082 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), exhibit high phenotypic variability and they are very common in the general population. These diseases are associated with poor prognosis and a significant burden on patients and their caregivers. Although increasing evidence suggests that biological sex is an important factor for the development and phenotypical expression of some NDs, the role of sex and gender in the diagnosis and prognosis of NDs has been poorly explored. Current knowledge relating to sex- and gender-related differences in the epidemiology, clinical features, biomarkers, and treatment of AD, PD, and ALS will be summarized in this narrative review. The cumulative evidence hitherto collected suggests that sex and gender are factors to be considered in explaining the heterogeneity of these NDs. Clarifying the role of sex and gender in AD, PD, and ALS is a key topic in precision medicine, which will facilitate sex-specific prevention and treatment strategies to be implemented in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Nicoletti
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Roberta Baschi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via La Loggia 1, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogero Edoardo Cicero
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Iacono
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via La Loggia 1, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzina Lo Re
- Neurology Service, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Via Ernesto Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; Women's Brain Project, Guntershausen, Switzerland
| | - Antonina Luca
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via La Loggia 1, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via La Loggia 1, 90129 Palermo, Italy.
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Benatar M, Goutman SA, Staats KA, Feldman EL, Weisskopf M, Talbott E, Dave KD, Thakur NM, Al-Chalabi A. A roadmap to ALS prevention: strategies and priorities. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023; 94:399-402. [PMID: 36690429 PMCID: PMC10176353 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-330473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Kim A Staats
- Staats Life Sciences Consulting, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Eva L Feldman
- Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Marc Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evelyn Talbott
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kuldip D Dave
- ALS Association, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Neil M Thakur
- ALS Association, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
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Abdel Magid HS, Topol B, McGuire V, Hinman JA, Kasarskis EJ, Nelson LM. Cardiovascular Diseases, Medications, and ALS: A Population-Based Case-Control Study. Neuroepidemiology 2022; 56:423-432. [PMID: 36481735 PMCID: PMC9986836 DOI: 10.1159/000526982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated the associations between antecedent all-cause CVD diagnoses, cause-specific CVD diagnosis, and CVD medication prescriptions with the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a population-based case-control study of U.S. Medicare enrollees from 2006 to 2013. The final sample included 3,714 incident ALS cases and 18,570 controls (matched on age, sex, enrollment length, and county). Information was collected from Medicare Parts A, B, and D administrative claims data on hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, prescriptions of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptors blockers, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and antiarrhythmics. Associations were evaluated using conditional logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, geographical location, alcohol and tobacco use, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS The odds ratio (OR) for having one or more ICD-9 codes for any cardiovascular disease diagnosis at least 24 months prior to the date of ALS diagnosis was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-0.92). Cardiovascular conditions that were inversely associated with ALS included heart failure (OR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.70-0.89), atrial fibrillation (OR = 0.81; 95% CI 0.77-0.92), and hypertension (OR = 0.91; 95% CI 0.84-0.98). Exposures to several classes of cardiovascular medications were inversely associated with ALS risk even after adjusting for confounding by indication, including ACE inhibitors (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.77-0.91), calcium channel blockers (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.59-0.70), and beta blockers (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.71-0.83). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION These findings merit additional research, including animal studies and pilot clinical trials, to further evaluate and evidence the effects of ACEIs, CCBs, and BBs on the risk of developing and clinical expression of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda S Abdel Magid
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA,
- Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA,
| | - Barbara Topol
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Valerie McGuire
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jessica A Hinman
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Edward J Kasarskis
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Lorene M Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Hu N, Ji H. Medications on hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:5189-5199. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Cui C, Sun J, McKay KA, Ingre C, Fang F. Medication use and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-a systematic review. BMC Med 2022; 20:251. [PMID: 35927763 PMCID: PMC9354307 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02442-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying whether medications act as potential risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can contribute to the understanding of disease etiology as well as the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the existing evidence on the association between medication use and the subsequent ALS risk. METHODS A systematic review was conducted in Medline, Embase, and Web of Science from the date of database establishment to December 10, 2021. References of identified articles were further searched for additional relevant articles. Studies were included if (1) published in English, (2) explored medication use as exposure and development of ALS as outcome, and (3) the design was a human observational study. Clinical trials, reviews, comments, editorials, and case reports were excluded. Quality assessment was performed using a pre-validated tool for non-randomized studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment Scale (NOS). RESULTS Of the 4760 studies identified, 25 articles, including 13 case-control studies, five nested case-control studies, six cohort studies, and one retrospective chart review, were included in the review. Among these studies, there were 22 distinct study populations that included 171,407 patients with ALS, seven classes of medication examined, and 23 studies with a NOS ≥ 5. There was a general lack of agreement between studies on the associations of cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, oral contraceptives (OCs) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), antihypertensive drugs, antidiabetics, and drugs for psychiatric and neurological disorders with the subsequent risk of ALS. However, it appeared that statins, aspirin, OCs/HRT, antihypertensives, and antidiabetics were unlikely related to a higher risk of ALS. The positive associations noted for antibiotics, antidepressants, and skeletal muscle relaxants might be attributable to prodromal symptoms of ALS. CONCLUSIONS There is currently no strong evidence to link any medication use with ALS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Cui
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jiangwei Sun
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kyla A McKay
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Ingre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Neurology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Xu K, Ji H, Hu N. Cardiovascular comorbidities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review. J Clin Neurosci 2021; 96:43-49. [PMID: 34974247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the prevalence of the cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and explore the impacts of cardiovascular diseases on ALS. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, OVID and Web of Science were searched systematically until July 2021 for studies on the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among ALS patients or quantitatively investigating the effects of cardiovascular comorbidities on incidence, progression or survival of ALS. We conducted a fixed-effects or random-effects meta-analysis to calculate the summary rate or ORs (odds ratios) with 95 %CIs (confidence intervals). RESULTS The comorbidity of hypertension in France (56.9%) was the highest, followed by Portugal (48%). Only 15% of Chinese ALS patients suffered from hypertension. A quarter of ALS patients in America had coronary heart disease while only 4-5% of patients with ALS in Australia or the Netherlands suffered from coronary heart disease. There was significant relationship between hypertension and survival of ALS (OR: 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.07). Coronary heart disease was considerably related to ALS onset (OR: 1.19, 95%CI: 1.14, 1.24) and heart failure could noticeably accelerate the progression rate of ALS (OR: 6.33, 95%CI: 1.55, 24.84). CONCLUSIONS Cardiovascular comorbidities in ALS patients varied significantly with different regions. Hypertension could reduce the survival of ALS so the intensive treatment of chronic hypertension should be recommended to ALS patients in clinical practice. Coronary heart disease could increase the risk of ALS and heart failure was a negative prognostic factor for ALS, which deserved more attention of clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Hongyan Ji
- Department of Hematopathology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Nan Hu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China.
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D’Antona S, Caramenti M, Porro D, Castiglioni I, Cava C. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Diet Review. Foods 2021; 10:foods10123128. [PMID: 34945679 PMCID: PMC8702143 DOI: 10.3390/foods10123128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease related to upper and lower motor neurons degeneration. Although the environmental and genetic causes of this disease are still unclear, some factors involved in ALS onset such as oxidative stress may be influenced by diet. A higher risk of ALS has been correlated with a high fat and glutamate intake and β-methylamino-L-alanine. On the contrary, a diet based on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as curcumin, creatine, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, and phytochemicals could reduce the risk of ALS. However, data are controversial as there is a discrepancy among different studies due to a limited number of samples and the many variables that are involved. In addition, an improper diet could lead to an altered microbiota and consequently to an altered metabolism that could predispose to the ALS onset. In this review we summarized some research that involve aspects related to ALS such as the epidemiology, the diet, the eating behaviour, the microbiota, and the metabolic diseases. Further research is needed to better comprehend the role of diet and the metabolic diseases in the mechanisms leading to ALS onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore D’Antona
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Martina Caramenti
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Danilo Porro
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Isabella Castiglioni
- Department of Physics “G. Occhialini”, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Claudia Cava
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Diabetes Mellitus and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060867. [PMID: 34200812 PMCID: PMC8230511 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disorder which affects the motor neurons. Growing evidence suggests that ALS may impact the metabolic system, including the glucose metabolism. Several studies investigated the role of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as risk and/or prognostic factor. However, a clear correlation between DM and ALS has not been defined. In this review, we focus on the role of DM in ALS, examining the different hypotheses on how perturbations of glucose metabolism may interact with the pathophysiology and the course of ALS. METHODS We undertook an independent PubMed literature search, using the following search terms: ((ALS) OR (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) OR (Motor Neuron Disease)) AND ((Diabetes) OR (Glucose Intolerance) OR (Hyperglycemia)). Review and original articles were considered. RESULTS DM appears not to affect ALS severity, progression, and survival. Contrasting data suggested a protective role of DM on the occurrence of ALS in elderly and an opposite effect in younger subjects. CONCLUSIONS The actual clinical and pathophysiological correlation between DM and ALS is unclear. Large longitudinal prospective studies are needed. Achieving large sample sizes comparable to those of common complex diseases like DM is a challenge for a rare disease like ALS. Collaborative efforts could overcome this specific issue.
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Vasta R, D'Ovidio F, Logroscino G, Chiò A. The links between diabetes mellitus and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:1377-1387. [PMID: 33544228 PMCID: PMC7955983 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
ALS etiology and prognostic factors are mostly unknown. Metabolic diseases and especially diabetes mellitus (DM) have been variously related to ALS. However, pieces of evidence have been variegated and often conflicting so far. This review aims to give an overview of recent contributions focusing on the relationship between DM and ALS. DM seems to reduce the risk of developing ALS if diagnosed at a younger age; conversely, when diagnosed at an older age, DM seems protective against ALS. Such a relationship was not confirmed in Asian countries where DM increases the risk of ALS independently of the age of onset. Interestingly, DM does not affect ALS prognosis, possibly weakening the potential causal relationship between the two diseases. However, since most studies are observational, it is difficult to state the exact nature of such a relationship and several hypotheses have been made. A recent study using Mendelian randomization suggested that DM is indeed protective against ALS in the European population. However, these analyses are not without limits and further evidence is needed. DM is usually the core of a larger metabolic syndrome. Thus, other metabolic changes such as dyslipidemia, body mass index, and cardiovascular diseases should be collectively considered. Finally, hypermetabolism usually found in ALS patients should be considered too since all these metabolic changes could be compensation (or the cause) of the higher energy expenditure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Vasta
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio D'Ovidio
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Italy
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
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Raffaele S, Boccazzi M, Fumagalli M. Oligodendrocyte Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030565. [PMID: 33807572 PMCID: PMC8000560 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin is the lipid-rich structure formed by oligodendrocytes (OLs) that wraps the axons in multilayered sheaths, assuring protection, efficient saltatory signal conduction and metabolic support to neurons. In the last few years, the impact of OL dysfunction and myelin damage has progressively received more attention and is now considered to be a major contributing factor to neurodegeneration in several neurological diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Upon OL injury, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) of adult nervous tissue sustain the generation of new OLs for myelin reconstitution, but this spontaneous regeneration process fails to successfully counteract myelin damage. Of note, the functions of OPCs exceed the formation and repair of myelin, and also involve the trophic support to axons and the capability to exert an immunomodulatory role, which are particularly relevant in the context of neurodegeneration. In this review, we deeply analyze the impact of dysfunctional OLs in ALS pathogenesis. The possible mechanisms underlying OL degeneration, defective OPC maturation, and impairment in energy supply to motor neurons (MNs) have also been examined to provide insights on future therapeutic interventions. On this basis, we discuss the potential therapeutic utility in ALS of several molecules, based on their remyelinating potential or capability to enhance energy metabolism.
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Bedlack R, Kihuwa-Mani S, Barkhaus PE, Bereman M, Caress JB, Crayle J, Pattee GL, Heiman Patterson T, Wicks P, Zach N, Carter GT, Salmon K. ALSUntangled 59: Tamoxifen. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 22:595-598. [PMID: 33474997 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1876731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Here we use the ALSUntangled methodology to review Tamoxifen as an ALS treatment. We show that it has plausible mechanisms, a positive preclinical study, a case report and 2 small trials suggesting benefits. We show that it appears reasonably safe, though there is a small risk of developing cancer with long term use. While we cannot yet endorse this as an ALS treatment, there is enough evidence to warrant another larger ALS trial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sky Kihuwa-Mani
- Lloyd International Honors College, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Paul E Barkhaus
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Michael Bereman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - James B Caress
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jesse Crayle
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gary L Pattee
- Department of Neurology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NB, USA
| | - Terry Heiman Patterson
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paul Wicks
- Independent consultant, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Neta Zach
- Department of Neuroscience, Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA Inc, Deerfield, IL, USA
| | - Gregory T Carter
- Department of Neurology, Saint Luke's-Elks Rehab, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Kristiana Salmon
- Department of Neurology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
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Trojsi F, D’Alvano G, Bonavita S, Tedeschi G. Genetics and Sex in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Is There a Link? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103647. [PMID: 32455692 PMCID: PMC7279172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. Approximately 90% of ALS cases are sporadic, although multiple genetic risk factors have been recently revealed also in sporadic ALS (SALS). The pathological expansion of a hexanucleotide repeat in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is the most common genetic mutation identified in familial ALS, detected also in 5–10% of SALS patients. C9orf72-related ALS phenotype appears to be dependent on several modifiers, including demographic factors. Sex has been reported as an independent factor influencing ALS development, with men found to be more susceptible than women. Exposure to both female and male sex hormones have been shown to influence disease risk or progression. Moreover, interplay between genetics and sex has been widely investigated in ALS preclinical models and in large populations of ALS patients carrying C9orf72 repeat expansion. In light of the current need for reclassifying ALS patients into pathologically homogenous subgroups potentially responsive to targeted personalized therapies, we aimed to review the recent literature on the role of genetics and sex as both independent and synergic factors, in the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of ALS. Sex-dependent outcomes may lead to optimizing clinical trials for developing patient-specific therapies for ALS.
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