Genotype Found in 30 Percent of ALS Patients Speeds Up Disease Progression

Researchers from the Penn State School of Medicine have published a study in the journal BBA Molecular Basis of Medicine which revealed that a genetic difference can drastically change the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and may affect the success rate of treatment.  Previous research had indicated that 30 percent of subjects with ALS possessed a variant of the HFE gene which has been linked to iron-overload diseases. To analyze this correlation, mice with HFE genes were crossbred with standard ALS lab mice in order to compare disease progression. The crossbred mice quickly displayed escalated disease progression, scoring lower on strength tests and eventually displaying slightly shorter lifespans. “What we found is that when ALS happens in the presence of the HFE gene variant, things go downhill more quickly,” said the program director. These mice displayed increased oxidative stress and microglial activation, which leads to excessive inflammation and improper healing. The researchers claimed this will be critical data in evaluating current treatment methods, as 30 percent of patients possess this gene and may not react to treatments in the same manner. To learn more about this study, click here.