LAUSR

Background Coexistence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Syndrome (ALS-S) with thyroid disturbances is long ago noticed. Though, previous research did not confirm the role of thyroid hormones in ALS-S. Purpose to research the role of thyroid gland hormones and free radicals in patients with ALS-S. Methods Totally 52 patients aged 51–67 years with ALS-S investigated neurologically from endemic goiter area of Georgia. ALS was proved by Neuro-MEP-Micro (version 2009) 2-channel portable EMG. Serum levels of thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) were detected. The hormone levels analyzed by an electrochemiluminescence method on the apparatus Roche E411. Blood free radicals detected by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Method (EPR). Statistics performed by SPSS-11.0. Results Neurologically was found spastic-atrophic changes of the limb muscles in each patient. EMG showed signs of motor neurons’ damage. From all ALS-S patients 38 (73%) found to have hypothyroidism (TSH  = 14 ± 2.4 mIU/L, FT4 = 1.7 ± 0.8 ug/dL, anti-TPO = 35 ± 5.5 IU/ml); 14 patients (27%) diagnosed as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (TSH = 11 ± 2.6 mIU/L, FT4 = 2.6 ± 0.7 ug/dL, anti-TPO = 300 ± 45.5 IU/ml). Blood lypoperoxiradical (LOO-) was detected in all ALS-S patients. Positive correlation was found between the blood data of anti-TPO and blood data of LOO-. All patients were given appropriate treatment for thyroid disturbances. After 6 months treatment patients’ health was clinically improved, increased volume of innervation by EMG. Conclusion According to the present study autoimmunity definitely assists to the promotion of free radical pathology in ALS-S and investigations in this direction should be continued.