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Updated: Jun 25, 2025
08:59
Real-Time Fluorescent Measurement of Synaptic Functions in Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: July 16, 2021
2.6K
SEROTONIN AND AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS.
M Kekenadze1, N Kvirkvelia2, M Beridze3
12Tbilisi State Medical University, Department of Neurology, Georgia; 3UCL, Department of Neuromuscular diseases, Queen square, London, UK.
Georgian Medical News
|May 29, 2024
Summary
This study investigated serotonin levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in Georgia. Lower serotonin was linked to disease progression, suggesting it may be a therapeutic target for ALS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by motoneuron degeneration.
- The role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in ALS pathogenesis is under investigation.
- Limited data exists on ALS progression and its relationship with serotonin levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serotonin levels and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a Georgian patient cohort.
- To explore potential correlations between serotonin levels and ALS clinical presentation, disease duration, and patient demographics.
Main Methods:
- A clinical study involving 60 ALS patients and 20 healthy controls in Georgia.
- Data collection included patient history, brain MRI, electromyography, and serum serotonin level measurements.
- Comparison of serotonin levels across different ALS subtypes (LMN, UMN, bulbar) and disease duration.
Main Results:
- ALS patients exhibited significantly lower serotonin levels compared to controls.
- Lower serotonin levels were observed in patients with longer disease duration (anamnesis).
- Patients with Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) damage showed the most significant decrease in serotonin.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin levels are decreased in patients with ALS.
- Reduced serotonin may correlate with ALS progression and severity.
- Serotonin (5-HT) warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic target for ALS.
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