Evidence of link between exposure to aluminium and multiple sclerosis

February 18, 2010

Scientists at Keele University in Staffordshire have discovered the first

evidence of a link between human exposure to aluminium and multiple sclerosis.

Their research has demonstrated very high (up to 40 times the control level)

urinary excretion of aluminium in MS, particularly so in the relapsing-remitting

form of the disease. Urinary excretion of iron was also significantly elevated

in MS and particularly so in the secondary progressive form of the disease.

Urinary excretion of silicon, the 'natural' antagonist to the potential toxicity

of aluminium, was decreased in MS and particularly so in secondary progressive

form of the disease.

The research suggests that individuals with MS have a higher body burden of

aluminium and that their urinary excretion of aluminium is linked to changes

taking place during the relapsing-remitting stage of the disease.

Dr Exley, Birchall Centre for Inorganic Chemistry and Materials

Science, Lennard- Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, said: " If,

as is currently believed, MS is a disorder resulting from the interplay between

the environment and susceptibility genes then our observation of elevated

excretion of iron may be indicative of the latter, while elevated excretion of

aluminium suggests that exposure to aluminium may be the hitherto unrecognised

environmental factor in MS. "

Other researchers involved in the study were: Godwin Mamutse, Olga Korchazhkina,

Eleanor Pye, Stanislav Strekopytov, Polwart, Clive Hawkins.

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