Grass pea consumption & present scenario of neurolathyrism in Maharashtra State of India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Neurolathyrism is a non progressive motor neuron disorder engendered by the prolonged over-consumption of Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) seeds which contain a neurotoxic amino acid, ß-N oxalyl- L-α, ß-diaminopropionic acid (ß-ODAP). It is characterized by spastic paraparesis in the hind limbs. The present study was conducted in 105 households (HHs) of Gondia district in Maharashtra, India, where grass pea is cultivated and consumed to assess the health implication of its consumption. METHODS: Across-sectional survey was carried out in 105 HHS in five villages and grass pea samples were collected for ß-ODAP estimation. Amino acid analysis was also done, neurolathyrism cases were identified by snowball sampling method and neurological examination was carried out. RESULTS: The study revealed that 61 per cent of population was consuming this pulse as a part of diet. ß-ODAP concentration in grass pea was high in Bora village (1254.5 ± 528.21 mg %) and less in Malgaon village (413.6±415.79 mg %). The nutritional status of the people was within the normal range (BMI 18± 3.40 kg/m2) in the surveyed households. Consumption of grass pea was observed to be less than 25 g. CONCLUSIONS: The cases of neurolathyrism declined in all the studied villages due to reduced ß-ODAP exposure through Lathyrus sativus consumption, however, the grass pea was cultivated and consumed in Gondia district of Maharashtra State.

Role of glutamate and nitric oxide in onset of motor neuron degeneration in neurolathyrism.

Neurolathyrism is associated with a complex pattern of alterations in the glutamatergic system of the cortical motor region of brain. It is a neurological disorder consorted with excessive consumption of Lathyrus sativus (Grass pea), comprising large amounts of the neurotoxin, ß-N-oxalyl-L-α,ß-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP). ODAP being a potent agonist of ionotropic glutamate receptors enhances their activity and also blocks the astrocytic glutamate/cystine transporters, abutting the neurons. This leads to the sustained increase in the concentration of Glutamate in the synapse which triggers excitotoxicity. L. sativus also contains high levels of arginine and homoarginine which are natural substrates of nitric oxide production, when NO levels increases, it forms peroxynitrite radicals which cause irreparable damage to mitochondria and cellular macromolecules leading to motor neuron degeneration. This review brings together all the molecular events reported so far, emphasizing on the possible role of glutamate and nitric oxide mediated cell death.