Depending on the type of ALS, “only about 8% to 60% of the disease can be explained by genetic factors,” explains Eva Feldman, professor of neurology at the University of Michigan.
However, there is also new evidence that it was done repeatedly. Long-term exposure to potential triggers The external environment may increase the risk of developing ALS, especially the sporadic form. For this reason, Mr. Feldman and his colleagues launched an investigation.
“We suspected the existence of what we called the ALS ‘exposome,’ which is the sum of exposures to harmful environments that increases risk,” says Feldman. The researchers found that long-term exposure to organic chemical pollutants, metals, pesticides, particulate matter in dust from construction work, and poor air quality can cause: discovered. Increase a person’s risk of ALS.
Neil Thakur, Chief Mission Officer ALS Association, states that there is no complete cause and effect of ALS. “It’s always a combination of factors,” he says. “Even though he has risk factors and genetics, he’s not 100% sure he’s going to get ALS.”
However, there is some evidence that exposure to particulates is to blame. diesel fuelaviation fuel, particulate burn pit, Insecticide And aerosols may increase the risk of developing ALS, he added. Military personnel, for example, have been exposed to these and appear to be more likely to contract the disease, he says.
There is also evidence that they have lead in drinking water, smoking And contact sports can cause ALS. Still, many uncertainties remain. Studies evaluating the lifetime effects of alcohol consumption and smoking before diagnosis of ALS suggest that nonsmokers are nonsmokers. does not necessarily protect you. (Of course, these factors reduce the risk of developing many other diseases, so there are many other reasons to limit your health.) drinking and smoking. )
One of the challenges facing scientists and clinicians studying the causes of ALS (and MNDs in general) is, thankfully, that ALS is a rare disease. With a small number of patients, not everyone is willing or able to participate in research. And there are many differences in genetics and lifestyle that can affect your results. For example, even if genetic alterations were found in 4% of cases, there were not enough people in that group to see clear differences between those exposed to a particular chemical contaminant and those who were not. There is a possibility.
“It will take a long time to fully recruit enough people for clinical trials of ALS because the disease progresses very quickly and people are only eligible in the early stages of the disease,” Thakur said. To tell. “If you have a family history of ALS and you also carry the ALS gene, consider whether you can participate in a clinical trial so you can help yourself and others.”
