Blood Lactate: A Key Predictor for ALS Prognosis
Researchers have identified blood lactate as a key biomarker capable of predicting physical outcomes and prognosis in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a common form of motor neurone disease.
Higher levels of blood lactate are associated with an improved prognosis for individuals with ALS.
The study, conducted by The University of Queensland and Japan’s Shiga University of Medical Science, indicates that blood lactate levels can predict patient survival and weight maintenance.
Expert Perspective on Lactate's Role
Dr. Ryutaro Nakamura, a neurologist from Shiga University, stated that lactate is an essential metabolic fuel known to influence motor neuron survival. He explained that increased blood lactate levels in ALS patients correlate with a greater likelihood of weight retention and a better prognosis.
Expanding the Research Horizon
Initial research by Dr. Nakamura and Professor Makoto Urushitani at Shiga University focused on a Japanese patient group. This was expanded through a collaboration with Associate Professor Shyuan Ngo's lab at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and UQ School of Biomedical Sciences, and Associate Professor Frederik Steyn.
Consistent Findings Across Continents
The expanded study monitored 146 ALS patients across Japan and Australia. Researchers observed that patients with low blood lactate levels experienced progressive weight loss after three months, correlating with faster disease progression and earlier mortality.
"Lower lactate levels are associated with increased weight loss, accelerated disease progression, and earlier death in ALS patients," Dr. Ngo affirmed.
The inclusion of both Australian and Japanese patient cohorts validated that the correlation between blood lactate levels, weight loss, and ALS prognosis is consistent across different demographics and environments. Dr. Nakamura suggested that these findings could inform proactive nutritional support for ALS patients with low blood lactate levels, potentially improving outcomes, and contribute to the development of new treatments.
The research was published in the journal Annals of Neurology.