Pesticides and Parkinson’s: A connection beyond all doubt

The gradual loss of neurons in the brain is linked to misfolding and packaging of the alpha-synuclein protein. These toxic aggregates cause damage to dopaminergic neurons located in the substantia nigra region of the brain, which specialize in the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The loss of these cells is responsible for Parkinson’s symptoms.

danger in the environment

Considering the causes, approximately 15% of patients have a family history. These cases may be caused by inherited variants (also called mutations) and as yet unidentified genetic changes in the LRRK2, PARK7, PINK1, PRKN, or SNCA genes.

But, most cases are attributed to environmental triggers and preventable risk factors Those that play a very important role in the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease. The most obvious of these are repeated blows to the head associated with activities such as football and be exposed to herbicides and pesticides. We will focus on the latter below.

One damning piece of evidence is that farmers are more susceptible to the disease compared to the general population. In any case, let’s keep in mind that although there are a large number of people who are regularly exposed to pesticides, those who are only exposed to Parkinson’s are more likely to develop Parkinson’s. genetically predisposed.

Pesticides and Parkinson’s: A connection beyond all doubt PEXILS

On the trail of the microbiota

In addition control pests, pesticide They can harm not only crops but also animals and people. Scientists identified ten products, including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. significantly impairs neurons It plays a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease.

So what mechanisms trigger these neurotoxic effects? The presence of the mentioned products may disrupt the microbiota and accumulation of toxic metabolites and a modified form of alpha-synuclein in the intestines. It has been shown that this misfolded protein can be transported from enteroendocrine cells (those responsible for regulating food intake and metabolism) to the brain via the vagus nerve. Here they come together to form Lewy bodies, deposits associated with Parkinson’s disease.

List of charges against pesticides

Below we will explain how some of them are. pesticide and, in light of recent research, herbicides that cause toxicity in neurons.

• HE glyphosateThe most widely used herbicide worldwide disrupts the balance of beneficial bacteria colonizing the human intestines. It also encourages the proliferation of bacteria such as clostridia, which produce high levels of brain-damaging metabolites. This phenomenon may contribute to the development of neurological diseases. Various animal experiments have shown that glyphosate causes changes in transmitter substances in the brain, inflammatory reactions, changes in the energy system of cells and oxidative stress. Additionally, exposure to this compound is associated with higher levels of urinary neurofilament light protein, an indicator of neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases.

• Other pesticide classical, rotenoneIt is linked to the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein in the brain. Brief exposure to this product may cause symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. These symptoms gradually worsen over time and include behavioral changes and neurological problems. In a study with mice, researchers injected rotenone into the animals’ colons. Months later, there was an increase in the production of a harmful form of alpha-synuclein (called pS129) is found in primary nerves that supply the digestive tract and the substantia nigra of the brain. This caused degeneration in dopaminergic neurons and motor function. Additionally, microbial sequencing analyzes revealed that rotenone altered the bacterial ratio. Firmicutes And Bacteroidetes. Another study confirmed this phenomenon by showing that animals showed motor abnormalities months after exposure to rotenone, with significant loss of dopaminergic neurons and neuroinflammatory response in the substantia nigra.

• deltamethrin is another pesticide that can disrupt dopamine signaling. Mice exposed to this compound experienced changes in dopamine pathways, loss of motor ability, and cognitive changes. These results suggest that deltamethrin intake in adulthood may produce developmentally relevant changes in the gut and brain. Parkinson’s.

• Finally, fungicide benomyl has been associated with an increased risk of disease This concerns us because it inhibits the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme, resulting in harmful consequences for the brain. Normally, this enzyme is responsible for metabolizing fats, proteins, and toxins such as alcohol.

Pesticides and Parkinson’s: A connection beyond all doubt PEXILS

Controversial regulation

It is very important to understand the mechanisms involved in toxicity. pesticide and herbicides to find new preventive strategies and treatments. Although regulatory agencies downplay health risks –lTo the European Commission We expanded the use of glyphosate for a period of ten years–, additional research supports both neurological and carcinogenic harmful effects.

It is possible that the commercial interests of the agri-food industry are influential in making these decisions. Intrinsic risk factors such as age, gender and genetics are inevitable, but environmental ones are not. The numbers may change for better or worse over time, depending on the steps and legislative measures currently taken to clean up the environment and improve health and safety standards.

Sonia Villapol

He is an Assistant Professor at Houston Methodist Research Institute (USA).

Reference article: https://theconversation.com/pesticidas-y-parkinson-una-conexion-fuera-de-toda-duda-219239

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