Heavy Metal Paradox Could Point Toward New Therapy for Lou Gehrig's Disease

Even though it's not immediately useful from a medical standpoint, I posted this because it is interesting because of the paradoxical results.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130160709.htm

ScienceDaily (Dec. 1, 2009) — New discoveries have been made about how an elevated level of lead, which is a neurotoxic heavy metal, can slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease -- findings that could point the way to a new type of therapy.

The results surprised researchers, since lead is also a known risk factor for ALS. This paradox is still not fully understood, and at this point would not form the basis for a therapy, as lead is toxic for the nervous system. But scientists say the phenomenon may lead to promising alternative approaches to the gene therapies that are now a focus of study.

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