A REVIEW ONLOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE

SANA TABASSUM

CMR College of Pharmacy, Kandlakoya, Medchal, Hyderabad-501401

ABSTRACT

Lou Gehrig’s disease (LGD), also known as Amyotrophic lateral

sclerosis (ALS). LGD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which

affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of LGD

include difficulty in walking, standing, weakness in legs, feet or ankles,

hand weakness, slurring of speech, difficulty in swallowing ,muscle

cramps, difficulty in keeping good posture. About 90-95% of LGD cases

are sporadic and 5–10% of cases are directly inherited. Recent

researchers have uncovered that the retriggering of human endogenous

retroviral genes (HERVs) could lead to the development of LGD. The

pathophysiology of LGD is the death of both upper and lower motor

neurons in the motor cortex of the brain, the brain stem, and the spinal

cord. Prior to their destruction, motor neurons develop protein-

rich inclusions in their cell bodies and axons. This may be partly due to

defects in protein degradation. These inclusions often contain ubiquitin,

and generally incorporate one of the ALS-associated proteins like SOD1

(superoxide dismutase). LGD is diagnosed with an electromyogram

(EMG) which detects nerve damage. There is currently no cure for LGD,

but treatments are available to minimize symptoms and make living

daily life easier. Treatments include Rilutek (prevent damage from

overexcited nerves), physical therapy (boost circulation and prolong

muscle use), Baclofen (a medication to aid in stiffness), Nutritional

supplements (promote muscle strength). New research suggests that the

use of antiretroviral drugs may be useful in the treatment of LGD.

Key Words: Sporadic, Retroviral genes, Superoxide dismutase,

Electromyogram, Rilutek, Baclofen.