Summary
This study analyzed the link between familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), a common degenerative disease of the motor neuron system, and folic acid (FA).
Mutations of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD1) are involved in the development of this disease. Using a mice model, the present study demonstrated that SOD1 alteration leads to an increase of homocysteine (Hcy). Hcy is an amino acid found in blood but high levels are a risk factor to develop several diseases.
The results of this study demonstrated that FA therapy reduced Hcy levels.
The researchers therefore concluded that FA may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of fALS.
Further details can be found in the study.
References
Xiaojie Zhang, Sheng Chen, Liang Li, Qian Wang, Weidong Le