Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate how superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutation causes familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). This study also evaluates the mechanism of action of approved treatments for ALS and evaluates the action of plants that can also be used in treatment. Basic Procedures- The database used for searching was PubMed. Research focused on papers showing SOD1 mutations in ALS, mechanisms of pathology found in the research such as protein aggregates, ubiquitin/proteasome pathway, valosin-containing protein, rough endoplasmic reticulum stress, and ALS reversals. Papers chosen began in 1993 with the discovery of superoxide dismutase 1 as a causation of ALS. The plants chosen were previously researched for classes of botanical medicine in 2016-2017 of Naturopathic Medical School. Main Findings- Many factors contribute to SOD1 mutation causing familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis including proper metalation of the enzyme, protein misfolding, rough endoplasmic reticulum stress, flaws in the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway, decreased autophagy, and neuroinflammation. Treatments address excitotoxicity of neurons, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation.
