Study Reveals Potential Mechanism for Manganese Supplementation in Scoliosis Prevention

Understanding Scoliosis

A recent study published in *Nature Communications* has suggested a mechanism that may clarify how manganese supplementation could aid in preventing severe scoliosis. Scoliosis is a medical condition predominantly diagnosed in adolescents and is one of the most prevalent spinal deformities among school-aged children. This condition results in an abnormal S or C-shaped curvature of the spine. Treatment options typically involve the use of braces for milder cases and surgical intervention for more severe instances. Although the exact cause of scoliosis remains unknown, it is believed to arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Link Between Manganese Utilization and Scoliosis

The research points to a connection between defects in manganese utilization and the onset of scoliosis. It suggests that nutritional and genetic factors together contribute to the development of severe scoliosis.

Gene Variant Impacting Manganese Utilization

The study identified that children diagnosed with scoliosis are significantly more likely to possess a gene variant that hampers their cells’ ability to utilize manganese, a vital element for bone and cartilage growth. The researchers analyzed the genetic profiles of over 450 children with scoliosis in comparison to 980 children without the condition. They discovered a novel variant of the gene SLC9A38, which was found to be twice as frequent in children with scoliosis compared to their healthy counterparts. A subsequent analysis involving 840 children with scoliosis and 1,096 healthy children yielded similar results. This relatively unexplored gene has been associated with the absorption of crucial nutrients, and the systematic analysis revealed that the gene defect impairs manganese absorption in human cells.

Manganese Supplementation as a Preventive Measure

In experimental models, researchers bred zebrafish carrying the defective gene variant with normal zebrafish, resulting in offspring that exhibited developmental abnormalities, including spinal curvature. Additionally, children with scoliosis were found to have significantly lower levels of manganese in their bloodstream.

Based on these findings, the researchers propose that monitored manganese supplementation could potentially serve as a preventive strategy against severe scoliosis. However, they caution that excessive manganese intake can lead to toxicity, presenting a range of symptoms such as tremors, difficulties in walking, psychiatric aggression, and hallucinations. Furthermore, manganese toxicity has been linked to an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and hypertension. Consequently, the researchers emphasize the necessity for controlled and carefully monitored manganese supplementation to avert potential toxicity.

Conclusion

The implications of these findings highlight the importance of understanding the genetic and nutritional factors involved in scoliosis. Further research is essential to establish safe supplementation protocols for manganese in at-risk populations.

Written by Vinayak Khattar, Ph.D., M.B.A.

Reference: Scoliosis linked to essential mineral [Internet]. EurekAlert!. 2018 [cited 30 October 2018]. Available from: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/wuso-slt100518.php