PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS

14th July 2009 - New research

GENES MULTIPLY THE EFFECT OF PESTICIDES ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Environmental health perspectives [2009] 117 (6) : 964-969 (Ritz BR, Manthripragada AD, Costello S, Lincoln SJ, Farrer MJ, Cockburn M, Bronstein J.) Complete abstract

The chance of pesticide exposure causing Parkinson's Disease has been found to be far greater in those genetically inclined to Parkinson's Disease. Genetic defects are not typical in Parkinson's Disease. However, those people that have them are usually unaware of them. A defect in the dopamine transporter (DAT) can increase the risk of Parkinson's Disease by more than one and a half times, and as much as several times. The dopamine transporter (DAT) rids dopamine after it is produced. There are usually lower levels of DAT in Parkinson's Disease because there is less dopamine to rid.

The researchers do not explain how this defect can increase Parkinson's Disease. However, ridding dopamine too readily would explain the increased prevalence of Parkinson's Disease. In combination with exposure to pesticides, the risk of Parkinson's Disease was multiplied. Exposure to the pesticides paraquat and maneb, which are known causes of Parkinson's Disease, were increased by three times in those people  that had one defect in the dopamine transporter, and by more than four times in those people that had two defects in the dopamine transporter. In some people the risk was many times greater than this. For more current news go to Parkinson's Disease News.

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Parkinson's Disease News details all significant new research, news reports, new books, and new resources concerning Parkinson's Disease and those medical disorders that often coincide with Parkinson's Disease. It is compiled from an analysis of  all newly published research, news reports, new clinical trials, all newly published books, and new web sites. A summary and analysis of the new research are provided,  as well as links to the complete abstracts and news reports.