Iron, selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity are elevated in sporadic motor neuron disease.

Oxygen free radical damage is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of familial motor neuron disease (MND) associated with mutation of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene, and may be relevant in sporadic MND. Selenium (Se) and iron (Fe) have important roles in free radical metabolism. Using neutron activation analysis we have demonstrated significant elevation of Se and Fe in lumbar spinal cord in MND cases (38) compared to controls (22). Analysis of enzymes involved in free radical scavenging showed a significant and specific increase in the activity of the selenoprotein enzyme glutathione peroxidase in MND spinal cord.