However, it was observed that some of the predisposing factors like ascorbic acid deficiency and low levels of manganese exposure could be instrumental in producing
lathyrism.
BAPN leads to
lathyrism by inhibiting lysyl oxidase, which is an important enzyme in the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
The impact of intermolecular collagen cross-links in bone has been adduced, in part, from studies of
lathyrism (45).
There have been no reported cases of
Lathyrism in ruminant species, as some groups of microbes in the foregut utilize the amino acid components of the neurotoxin (Rasmussen et al., 1992).
Yet when consumed in large quantities for just 2 or 3 months, the untreated seeds can trigger a disabling spasticity known as
lathyrism. Unless affected people find other sources of food quickly, their condition could worsen, and they could eventually lose all use of their legs.
Lathyrus and
Lathyrism. Third World Medical Research Foundation, New York.
The Khesari pulse was banned by the central government way back in 1961 due to high degree of Beta-N-Oxalylaminoalanine, a neurotoxic amino-acid in the legume, which results in
Lathyrism. Khesari pulse contains 41 per cent carbohydrate, 31 per cent protein, 17 per cent total dietary fibre, 2 per cent fat and 2 percent ash.
Elastin fiber-associated glycosaminoglycans in R-aminopropionitrile-induced
lathyrism. Exp Mol Pathol 1984;40: 235-45.
The neurotoxin ODAP is present at high concentrations ([is greater than] 1.00%) in the seed of some Lathyrus species and heavy consumption can cause paralysis or
Lathyrism in humans and animals.
Previously, the team linked an amino acid in chickling peas (which are consumed in Africa and Asia, especially during famines) to a related neurological disorder called
lathyrism. The environment, says Robertson, may have a hand in other cases of neurological diseases around the globe as well.
