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Open Access 01-02-2021 | Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis | Review Article

An overview on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cadmium

Authors: Riccardo Oggiano, Andrea Pisano, Angela Sabalic, Cristiano Farace, Grazia Fenu, Simone Lintas, Giovanni Forte, Beatrice Bocca, Roberto Madeddu

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

The present review represents an update about the knowledge of the possible role of Cadmium (Cd) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) initiation and its progression. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs in adulthood; its etiology is unknown and leads to death within a few years from its appearance. Among the various possible causes that can favor the development of the disease, heavy metals cannot be excluded. Cadmium is a heavy metal that does not play a biological role, but its neurotoxicity is well known. Numerous in vitro studies on cell and animal models confirm the toxicity of the metal on the nervous system, but these data are not accompanied by an epidemiological evidence, and, thus, an unclear correlation between Cd and the onset of the disease can be pointed out. On the other hand, a possible multifactorial and synergic mechanism in which Cd may have a role can explain the ALS onset. More efforts in new clinical, biochemical, and epidemiological studies are necessary to better elucidate the involvement of Cd in this lethal disease.

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Title: An overview on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cadmium
Authors: Riccardo Oggiano
Andrea Pisano
Angela Sabalic
Cristiano Farace
Grazia Fenu
Simone Lintas
Giovanni Forte
Beatrice Bocca
Roberto Madeddu
Publication date: 01-02-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04957-7

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An overview on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cadmium

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