# Association of plasma concentration of trace metals with frontotemporal degeneration

## TL;DR

This study found that people with frontotemporal degeneration had higher levels of certain metals in their blood compared to healthy individuals, suggesting possible environmental factors in the disease.

## Contribution

The study identifies novel associations between plasma concentrations of manganese and chromium with frontotemporal degeneration.

## Key findings

- Elevated plasma manganese and chromium levels were significantly associated with frontotemporal degeneration.
- Lower plasma barium and mercury levels were inversely associated with frontotemporal degeneration.
- The findings suggest environmental metal exposure may play a role in FTD pathogenesis.

## Abstract

Compare the burden of heavy metals in plasma from people with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and healthy controls.

A cross-sectional study of 14 FTD cases and 28 healthy controls recruited from the University of Cincinnati. Plasma samples were sent to the Trace Element Analysis Core at Dartmouth College for assessment of 24 metals or metalloids via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Unconditional logistic regression models were performed with adjustments for age (centered at the median) and sex.

After adjusting for age and sex, there was a significant positive association of FTD with the highest tertile of Manganese (ORadjusted = 11.1, 95% CI: 1.57–132) and Chromium (ORadjusted = 9.86, 95% CI: 1.24–218). There was significant inverse associations observed between FTD and the highest tertile of Barium (ORadjusted = 0.06, 95% CI: <0.01–0.47) and Mercury (ORadjusted = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.01–0.74), with a significant inverse trend (ptrend = 0.03).

Significant associations between plasma concentration of several trace metals and FTD. The significantly elevated levels of Manganese and Chromium may suggest a role of environmental exposure in the pathogenesis of FTD. However, larger, well-designed prospective studies, along with complementary experimental work, are needed to better elucidate this relationship.