[The influence of uric acid on the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].

Uric acid has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. A number of studies show that high levels of uric acid may have a positive influence on the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), especially in males. The frequency of ALS is lower in patients with gout than in the general population. We present a case of a patient with gout and slowly progressive ALS. More research is needed on the potential role of uric acid in ALS and other neurodegenerative disorders.