Open AccessAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis and environmental factors
Author(s) -
Virginia Bozzoni,
Orietta Pansarasa,
Luca Diamanti,
Guido Nosari,
Cristina Cereda,
Mauro Ceroni
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
functional neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.505
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1971-3274
pISSN - 0393-5264
DOI - 10.11138/fneur/2016.31.1.007
Subject(s) - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , neurodegeneration , neuroscience , etiology , motor neuron , disease , pathogenesis , medicine , sod1 , multiple sclerosis , genetic predisposition , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychology , pathology , immunology
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects central and peripheral motor neuron cells. Its etiology is unknown, although a relationship between genetic background and environmental factors may play a major role in triggering the neurodegeneration. In this review, we analyze the role of environmental factors in ALS: heavy metals, electromagnetic fields and electric shocks, pesticides, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine, physical activity and the controversial role of sports. The literature on the single issues is analyzed in an attempt to clarify, as clearly as possible, whether each risk factor significantly contributes to the disease pathogenesis. After summarizing conflicting observations and data, the authors provide a final synthetic statement.