Toenail mercury levels are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk

Publication
Affiliates Angeline S. Andrew [1], Celia Y. Chen [2], Tracie A. Caller [3], Rup Tandan [4], Patricia L. Henegan [1], Brian P. Jackson [2], Brenda P. Hall [1], Walter G. Bradley [5], & Elijah W. Stommel [1]

 

[1] Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
[2] Departments of Biological Sciences, Earth Science, Dartmouth College
[3] Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Medical Specialty Clinic
[4] Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Medical Center
[5] Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

Journal Muscle & Nerve
Summary This study sought to measure levels of mercury in toenail samples from PALS using coupled plasma mass spectrometry. PALS had significantly higher mercury toenail levels (OR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.18-5.80) compared to controls after adjusting for age and gender.
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