Etiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The etiology is not known with certainly. ALS in 10% of cases derived autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive disorder which occurs on chromosome 2 or 21. Could be caused by a gene mutation for substances - toxic substances such as free radicals superoxide ions. Some are caused by an autoimmune process due to virus infection, especially poliovirus resulting in neuronal damage.

Some of the possibilities that could be the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, among others :

a. Aging

The aging process causes the slowdown function of motor cells, and it can be triggered earlier because there are abnormalities genetic .

b . Chronic viral infections

Such as polio viruses that cause acute damage to the anterior cornu and polio can also cause chronic infections that can theoretically cause motor neuron disease. In microscopic virus - like particle found in motor neuron disease, but transmission or transmission to primates other than humans have never succeeded.

c . Toxins

Such as: metal / steel, tin, selenium, mercury, and manganese can be the cause of ALS, although not enough evidence for it.

d . Minerals : hypoparatiroid, phosphate deficiency associated with chronic calcium deficiency.

e . Genetic abnormalities 

Sssociated with chromososm 21, which becomes the locus for the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD).

f . Excitotoxins

Excitatory amino acids such as glutamate, play a role in degenerative diseases such as ALS. In patients glutamate, glutamate levels are higher than normal. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is important for the brain. Excessive levels of glutamate can be toxic to nerve cells .