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Lorvand Amiri H, Hassan Javanbakht M, Mohammad Baghbanian S, Parsaeian M. The effect of a nicotine-rich diet with/without redistribution of dietary protein on motor indices in patients with Parkinson's disease: A randomized clinical trial. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 129:110845. [PMID: 39353253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.110845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of designing this clinical trial is to investigate the impact of a nicotine-rich diet with/without protein redistribution on the motor indices of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS We randomly divided 45 patients (age > 50) with PD into three groups including: nicotine-rich diet (20 µg per day) group (group N; n = 15), nicotine-rich diet with protein redistribution group (group N + P; n = 15), and control group (group C; n = 15). In all group, the diet was isocaloric, and participants received six meals and snacks. After 12 weeks, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS), serum alpha-synuclein levels, serum apolipoprotein A1, serum cotinine, and anthropometric parameters were measured in the three groups before and 12 weeks after the beginning of the study. RESULTS All of the enrolled patients completed the study. The UPDRS score was improved by 1.47 and 1.95 units in the N and N + P groups compared to the placebo (P < 0.001). On the other hand, effect size of N and N + P diets for α-synuclein were -52.82 and -175.85, respectively. The differences were significant compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Also, the effect of the both diets on serum cotinine compared to the control group was significant (P < 0.05). Although the effect size for UPDRS, α-synuclein, and cotinine in N + P diet were higher than N group, the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Also, the obtained results showed that there were no significant effects on anthropometric variables and serum levels of Apolipoprotein A1 in diet-receiving groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of our study indicated that nicotine consumption in an isocaloric diet, while preventing a decrease in anthropometric indices, leads to improvements in motor indices and a reduction in alpha-synuclein levels. Additional and larger controlled trials are required to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Lorvand Amiri
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Javanbakht
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Baghbanian
- Pchycosomatic Research Center, Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine. Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
| | - Mahboubeh Parsaeian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Grotewold N, Albin RL. Update: Protective and risk factors for Parkinson disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2024; 125:107026. [PMID: 38879999 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2024.107026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
We review the epidemiologic literature on potential protective and risk factors in Parkinson's Disease (PD). Prior research identified numerous possible protective and risk factors. Potential protective factors include tobacco abuse, physical activity, urate levels, NSAID use, calcium channel blocker use, statin use, and use of some α1-adrenergic antagonists. Some potential protective factors could be products of reverse causation, including increased serum urate, tobacco abuse, and coffee-tea-caffeine consumption. Potential risk factors include traumatic brain injury, pesticide exposure, organic solvent exposure, lead exposure, air pollution, Type 2 Diabetes, some dairy products, cardiovascular disease, and some infections including Hepatitis C, H. pylori, and COVID-19. Potential non-environmental risk factors include bipolar disorder, essential tremor, bullous pemphigoid, and inflammatory bowel disease. There is an inverse relationship with PD and risk of most cancers. Though many potential protective and risk factors for PD were identified, research has not yet led to unique, rigorous prevention trials or successful disease-modifying interventions. While efforts to reduce exposure to some industrial toxicants are well justified, PD incidence might be most effectively reduced by mitigation of risks, such as Type 2 Diabetes, air pollution, traumatic brain injury, or physical inactivity, that are general public health intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Grotewold
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Roger L Albin
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; GRECC & Neurology Service, VAAAHS, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA; University of Michigan Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; University of Michigan Parkinson's Foundation Research Center of Excellence, USA.
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3
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Ullah I, Zhao L, Uddin S, Zhou Y, Wang X, Li H. Nicotine-mediated therapy for Parkinson's disease in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1358141. [PMID: 38813528 PMCID: PMC11135287 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1358141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease resultant in the degeneration of Dopaminergic neurons and accumulation of α-synuclein in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The synthetic therapeutics for Parkinson's disease have moderate symptomatic benefits but cannot prevent or delay disease progression. In this study, nicotine was employed by using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Parkinson's disease models to minimize the Parkinson's disease symptoms. The results showed that the nicotine at 100, 150, and 200 μM doses reduced degeneration of Dopaminergic neurons caused by 6-hydroxydopamine (14, 33, and 40%), lowered the aggregative toxicity of α-synuclein by 53, 56, and 78%, respectively. The reduction in food-sensing behavioral disabilities of BZ555 was observed to be 18, 49, and 86%, respectively, with nicotine concentrations of 100 μM, 150 μM, and 200 μM. Additionally, nicotine was found to enhance Daf-16 nuclear translocation by 14, 31, and 49%, and dose-dependently increased SOD-3 expression by 10, 19, and 23%. In summary, the nicotine might a promising therapy option for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inam Ullah
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Longhe Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shahab Uddin
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangtao Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Center for Parkinson's Disease, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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4
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Ullah I, Uddin S, Zhao L, Wang X, Li H. Autophagy and UPS pathway contribute to nicotine-induced protection effect in Parkinson's disease. Exp Brain Res 2024:10.1007/s00221-023-06765-9. [PMID: 38430248 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06765-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The gradual nature of age-related neurodegeneration causes Parkinson's disease (PD) and impairs movement, memory, intellectual ability, and social interaction. One of the most prevalent neurodegenerative conditions affecting the central nervous system (CNS) among the elderly is PD. PD affects both motor and cognitive functions. Degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and buildup of the protein α-synuclein (α-Syn) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) are two major causes of this disorder. Both UPS and ALS systems serve to eliminate α-Syn. Autophagy and UPS deficits, shortened life duration, and lipofuscin buildup accelerate PD. This sickness has no cure. Innovative therapies are halting PD progression. Bioactive phytochemicals may provide older individuals with a natural substitute to help delay the onset of neurodegenerative illnesses. This study examines whether nicotine helps transgenic C. elegans PD models. According to numerous studies, nicotine enhances synaptic plasticity and dopaminergic neuronal survival. Upgrades UPS pathways, increases autophagy, and decreases oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. At 100, 150, and 200 µM nicotine levels, worms showed reduced α-Syn aggregation, repaired DA neurotoxicity after 6-OHDA intoxication, increased lifetime, and reduced lipofuscin accumulation. Furthermore, nicotine triggered autophagy and UPS. We revealed nicotine's potential as a UPS and autophagy activator to prevent PD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inam Ullah
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shahab Uddin
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Longhe Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Hongyu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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Rose KN, Schwarzschild MA, Gomperts SN. Clearing the Smoke: What Protects Smokers from Parkinson's Disease? Mov Disord 2024; 39:267-272. [PMID: 38226487 PMCID: PMC10923097 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The link between smoking and a lower risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the strongest environmental or lifestyle associations in neuroepidemiology. Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that the association is based on a neuroprotective effect of smoking on PD, despite the plausible alternative that smoking serves as a marker for a proximal protective influence without itself conferring benefit. But how smoking could protect against neurodegeneration in PD is not well understood. Of several candidate molecules and mechanisms that have been nominated, nicotine has received the most attention. However, randomized controlled clinical trials of nicotine in PD have failed to demonstrate benefit on motor endpoints, including the NIC-PD study in which recently diagnosed participants were randomly assigned to placebo or nicotine treatment for 1 year. Given these results, the time is right to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of other molecules and biochemical cascades triggered by smoking. Here, we review the evidence supporting smoking's possible protective effect on PD, compounds in tobacco and smoke that might mediate such benefit, and non-causal classes of explanation, including reverse causation and the prospect of shared genetic determinants of smoking and PD resistance. The therapeutic potential of non-nicotine components of smoke is suggested by studies supporting multiple alternative mechanisms ranging from monoamine oxidase inhibitors to gut microbiome disruption to antioxidant response induction by chronic exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide. Rigorous investigation is warranted to evaluate this molecule and others for disease-preventing and disease-modifying activity in PD models and, if warranted, in clinical trials. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N. Rose
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Stephen N. Gomperts
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ruan S, Xie J, Wang L, Guo L, Li Y, Fan W, Ji R, Gong Z, Xu Y, Mao J, Xie J. Nicotine alleviates MPTP-induced nigrostriatal damage through modulation of JNK and ERK signaling pathways in the mice model of Parkinson's disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1088957. [PMID: 36817162 PMCID: PMC9932206 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1088957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Nicotine (Nic) has previously been proven to reduce neurodegeneration in the models of Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study is intended to investigate the detailed mechanisms related to the potential neuroprotective effects of Nic in vivo. Methods: We established a PD model using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced C57BL6 mice (25 mg/kg/d, 5 d, i.p.) to investigate the neuropharmacological modulation of Nic pretreatment (2.5 mg/kg/d, 5 d, i.p., 30 min before MPTP injection) from the perspectives of neurobehavioral assessment, the pathological alterations, microglial cell inflammation and MAPK signaling pathways in specific brain regions. Results: The open field test, elevated plus maze, rotarod and traction test suggested that Nic pretreatment could significantly improve MPTP-induced motor impairment and had an anxiolytic effect. Nic was found to improve neuroapoptosis, enhance tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and reduce the accumulation of the phosphorylated α-synuclein in the substantia nigra and striatal regions of PD mice by TUNEL and immunohistochemical assays. Immuno-fluorescent method for labeling Iba1 and CD68 indicated that Nic remarkably alleviates the activation of microglia which represents the M1 polarization state in the mice brain under MPTP stimulation. No significant difference in the expression of p38/MAPK pathway was found in the nigrostriatal regions, while Nic could significantly inhibit the elevated p-JNK/JNK ratio and increase the declined p-ERK/ERK ratio in the substantia nigra of MPTP-exposed brains, which was further confirmed by the pretreatment of CYP2A5 inhibitor to decline the metabolic activity of Nic. Discussion: The molecular signaling mechanism by which Nic exerts its neuroprotective effects against PD may be achieved by regulating the JNK and ERK signaling pathways in the nigra-striatum related brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Ruan
- Flavour Science Research Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiqing Xie
- Technology and Research Center, China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Co., Ltd.,, Nanjing, China
| | - Linhai Wang
- Flavour Science Research Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lulu Guo
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- Flavour Science Research Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wu Fan
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rongzhan Ji
- Technology and Research Center, China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Co., Ltd.,, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenlin Gong
- Technology and Research Center, China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Co., Ltd.,, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yan Xu, ; Jian Mao,
| | - Jian Mao
- Flavour Science Research Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yan Xu, ; Jian Mao,
| | - Jianping Xie
- Flavour Science Research Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China
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Zhang X, Xu J, Liu Y, Chen S, Wu S, Gao X. Diet Quality is Associated with Prodromal Parkinson's Disease Features in Chinese Adults. Mov Disord 2022; 37:2367-2375. [PMID: 36069990 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prodromal phase of Parkinson's disease (PD) is a critical window for prevention by modifying lifestyle factors. However, there is limited knowledge on how diet quality is associated with prodromal PD symptoms in Asian populations. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between overall diet quality and prodromal PD features. METHODS A total of 71,640 Chinese participants who were free of PD were included in this cross-sectional study. Diet quality was assessed using the modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI) and alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED). Five prodromal features including probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (pRBD), hyposmia, excessive daytime sleepiness, constipation, and depressive symptom were measured using validated questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for having a combination of prodromal PD symptoms (1 and 2+ symptoms vs. 0 symptoms), adjusting for age, sex, lifestyle factors, total energy intake, and other potential confounders. RESULTS In the multivariable-adjusted model, the OR for having 2+ versus 0 prodromal PD features was 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49, 0.85) comparing the highest versus the lowest mAHEI diet quality quartiles with a significant inverse trend (P-trend = 0.003). For individual prodromal PD features, better diet quality, as assessed by the mAHEI, was associated with lower odds of having excessive daytime sleepiness and constipation (P-trend < 0.05 for both). We observed a marginally significant association between aMED and prodromal PD features (adjusted OR comparing the extreme quartiles = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.98; P-trend = 0.09). CONCLUSION Better diet quality, as assessed by the mAHEI and the aMED, was associated with lower probability of having prodromal PD features in Chinese adults. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Zhang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jipo Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Tangjizhuang Hospital Affiliated to Kailuan General Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Yesong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Kailuan General Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Shuohua Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Kailuan General Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Shouling Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Kailuan General Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Institute of Nutrition, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Institute of Nutrition, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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8
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From Foods to Chemotherapeutics: The Antioxidant Potential of Dietary Phytochemicals. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10061222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Food plants have been recognized for their medicinal properties for millennia, a concept supported by epidemiological studies indicating long-term health benefits for people consuming greater amounts of fruits and vegetables. As our technology and instrumentation advance, researchers have the ability to identify promising phytochemicals, and examine their potential benefits, or detriments, to human health. While results from trials investigating single chemical supplementation have sometimes produced negative health results, studies investigating the synergistic action of phytochemicals—either within our diet or as an adjuvant to radiation or chemotherapy—appear promising. Utilizing phytochemicals as synergistic agents may lower the chemotherapeutic doses needed to incur physiological results, while also using chemicals with fewer toxic effects. This review investigates a variety of plant-produced chemicals humans typically ingest, their impacts on overall health patterns, molecular mechanisms associated with their health impacts, and the potential of their synergistic use for therapeutic purposes.
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A Review of Diagnostic Imaging Approaches to Assessing Parkinson's Disease. BRAIN DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dscb.2022.100037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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10
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Ritz BR, Kusters CDJ. The Promise of Mendelian Randomization in Parkinson's Disease: Has the Smoke Cleared Yet for Smoking and Parkinson's Disease Risk? JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:807-812. [PMID: 35213390 PMCID: PMC10564582 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This commentary discusses the strengths and limitations of utilizing the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach in Parkinson's disease (PD) studies. Epidemiologists proposed to employ MR when genetic instruments are available that represent reliable proxies for modifiable lifelong exposures which elude easy measurement in studies of late onset diseases like PD. Here, we are using smoking as an example. The great promise of the MR approach is its resilience to confounding and reverse causation. Nevertheless, the approach has some drawbacks such as being liable to selection- and survival-bias, it makes some strong assumptions about the genetic instruments employed, and requires very large sample sizes. When interpreted carefully and put into the context of other studies that take both genetics and the environment into consideration, MR studies help us to not only ask interesting questions but also can support causal inference and provide novel insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate R. Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cynthia DJ Kusters
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Novel Pharmacotherapies in Parkinson's Disease. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:1381-1390. [PMID: 34003454 PMCID: PMC8129607 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00375-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), an age-related progressive neurodegenerative condition, is associated with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), which results in motor deficits characterized by the following: akinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, and postural instability, as well as nonmotor symptoms such as emotional changes, particularly depression, cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal, and autonomic dysfunction. The most common treatment for PD is focused on dopamine (DA) replacement (e.g., levodopa = L-Dopa), which unfortunately losses its efficacy over months or years and can induce severe dyskinesia. Hence, more efficacious interventions without such adverse effects are urgently needed. In this review, following a general description of PD, potential novel therapeutic interventions for this devastating disease are examined. Specifically, the focus is on nicotine and nicotinic cholinergic system, as well as butyrate, a short chain fatty acid (SCFA), and fatty acid receptors.
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