A new research suggests that a copper compound might treat Lou Gehrig's disease, which is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Researchers showed that supplemental therapy using the compound called 'copper (ATSM)' can extend the lifespan of ALS patients by up to 26 percent. It is comparatively better than the minimum success of current ALS treatments.
The researchers explained that ALS is associated with mutations in superoxide dismutase - an antioxidant also known as SOD1.
Dr. Su-Chun Zhang, lead study author, explained that if one could correct the mutation or protein inhibition, they could "potentially rescue the nerve cell." The new study shows that copper therapy has the ability to do that.
The research shows that restoring the proper balance of copper in the brain and spinal cord helps correct SOD1 function, slowing the progression of nerve cell degradation in the process.
Researchers, however, said that their therapy is very selective as to where copper levels are raised or restored. "Copper itself is necessary but can be toxic, so its levels are tightly controlled in the body," lead researcher Joseph Beckman said in a statement. "The therapy we're working toward delivers copper selectively into the cells in the spinal cord that actually need it. Otherwise, the compound keeps copper inert."
This therapy was tested on mice models and the researchers found that the lifespan of mice with progressed ALS improved by 26 percent, compared to an untreated group.
The study was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
