AIR POLLUTION INCREASES THE RISK OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE

28th October 2016 

Nitrogen dioxide is a chemical compound with the formula NO2. Nitrogen dioxide is an intermediate in the industrial synthesis of nitric acid, millions of tons of which are produced each year. At higher temperatures it is a reddish-brown gas that has a characteristic sharp, biting odour and is a prominent air pollutant. Air pollution, especially as nitrogen dioxide, has been found to increase the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease. 

High exposure to nitrogen dioxide, largely because of pollution, trebled the risk of Parkinson's Disease. Another study suggests that ambient air pollution exposure, especially from traffic-related pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide also increases the risk of Parkinson's Disease. Previous studies have shown that lower exposures to nitrogen dioxide in air pollution did not significantly increase the risk of Parkinson's Disease.

Nitrogen dioxide toxicity causes the nitration of the tyrosine residues of tyrosine hydroxylase. Tyrosine hydroxylase is the enzyme that produces L-dopa and eventually dopamine. It is by this means that nitrogen dioxide has its adverse effects.

Reference : Environmental Research [2016] 151 : 713-720 (P.C.Lee, O. Raaschou-Nielsen, C.M.Lill, L.Bertram, J.S.Sinsheimer, J.Hansen, B. Ritz),

Complete abstract : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27640071

Reference : Environmental International [2016] 96 : 75-81 (P.C.Lee, L.L.Liu, Y.Sun, Y.A.Chen, C.C.Liu, C.Y.Li, H.L.Yu, B.Ritz)

Complete abstract : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27614945

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