Study Examines Paradox Treatment for Lou Gehrig’s Disease
By Donna Parker • Dec 10th, 2009 • Category: General health, Health News
A new study reveals that chelation therapy may not be the only way to treat those susceptible to Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Research from the journal of Neurobiology and Disease discovered that high amounts of lead can slow down the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, an illness that paralyzes the body.
These findings offer a paradox, as it was once believed that elevated levels of the metal brought on the disease. Now, scientists are claiming more levels may help prevent it.
"Available evidence supports the view that astrocytes are key targets of lead and respond to it by inducing neuroprotective pathways," the researchers wrote in their report. "Our results suggest that lead activates a novel pathway able to reduce neuroinflammation and slow neurodegeneration in ALS."
However, some people claim chelation therapy, which removes unwanted metals from the body, may still be the safest possible treatment. There is still a need for further evidence to suggest that higher lead levels can do the body good, as some doctors are concerned about the potential paradox.
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