ALS studies uncover motor‑neuron imbalance and heightened pesticide risk

Researchers in Italy using iPSC‑derived spinal neurons showed that the FUS P525L mutation linked to familial ALS reduces motor‑neuron responsiveness to inhibitory neurotransmitters, especially glycine, disrupting the excitatory‑inhibitory balance that protects neurons from over‑excitation.

A separate meta‑analysis of eight international studies involving more than 1,700 ALS patients found that occupational exposure to pesticides raises the risk of developing the disease by 61 % overall and up to 71 % for herbicide exposure. The association was strongest in men. The review, published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, calls for preventive measures for workers handling these chemicals.