Parkinson's Disease

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Parkinson's Disease: the Big Picture

Join our email lists: -updates and alerts only -discussion, ideas, solutions ## THEORIES MPTP - neurotoxin. MPTP was shown to act as a guided missile specifically destroying nerves cells in the substantia nigra, the same nerve cells destroyed in typical PD. The difference between MPTP-PD and typical PD is that in typical PD the dead and dying cells contain a round structure called a Lewy body that is missing in MPTP-PD and in post encephalitis PD. MPTP has become a means of investigating drugs for PD. And the absence of Lewy bodies in MPTP-PD and in post-encephalitis PD reveals something about PD. Find out what it is , like finding the frozen addicts had a PD-like disorder, will bring us closer to understanding PD. Parkinsonism can also be caused by MPTP, an illicit synthetic opioid derivative.42 This compound can cause sudden Parkinson-like symptoms after exposure. MPTP is metabolized in monoamine oxidase (MAO)-containing tissues to MPP+, the ultimate neurotoxin to MAO-containing tissues. MPP+ is selectively toxic to substantia nigra cells, effectively knocking out dopamine production.43 since the Vietnam War a number of veterans who were exposed to a toxin, a defoliating agent called Agent Orange have developed PD. These veterans are developing PD in their 50s and 60s, an age when PD typically develops. However, as the veterans were not investigated nor followed systematically it’s not known if their PD is related or unrelated to Agent Orange. Mercury, Insecticides, Welding and PD Mercury, present in dental amalgams is proposed as a cause of PD. While mercury inhaled or ingested in animals and in humans causes damage to the brain, the damage is distinctly different from PD. Despite 30 years of study, and numerous dental extractions, no link has been found between mercury and PD. Fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides, inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin are proposed as causes of PD. Paraquat, an MPTP-like herbicide has been investigated and no link found between it and PD. Rotenone a widely used pesticide can cause a PD-like disorder in rats. Rotenone has, like MPTP, is now a useful tool for studying PD. However, no link has been found between rotenone and human PD. Clusters of PD are found in welders. Welding consists of joining metals by an electrical arc using a filler, a coated wire that’s burned in the process of welding. As it’s burned, the filler releases concentrated fumes, fumes which contain manganese, lead, and arsenic. Welders with a cumulative exposure of 47,144 welding hours (5.4 years) may develop PD. The welders have a younger age of onset (46 years) than typical PD (60 plus years). There are, however, no differences in symptoms among welders with PD and typical PD. And welders with PD, like typical PD respond to Sinemet. Most welders do NOT develop PD. Among those you do, it’s suspected there is a genetic susceptibility as well as a toxic exposure. ## Current treatments Cronyist appointments and loss of experienced people Reneging on pledges to re-do no-bid contracts Do our structures work? What would a workable approach look like? Cofactors, nutrients, treatments Manganese OD: "Manganese-induced damage is found in the substantia nigra, globus pallidus, and caudate nucleus, with depletion of dopamine and serotonin levels. Symptoms begin as psychiatric changes, followed by impaired motor activity with muscle rigidity and tremors." Reneging on pledges to re-do no-bid contracts Do our structures work? What would a workable approach look like? ## REFERENCE MATERIALS Environmental Medicine, Part 1: The Human Burden of Environmental Toxins and Their Common Health Effects - by Walter J. Crinnion, ND - excellent overview National Occupational Exposure Survey - massive list of chemicals Our Bodies, Our Landfills? - You are what you ate, breathed, drank and more - FRANCESCA LYMAN / MSNBC 5feb03 Body Burden Toxins, Brain Chemistry, and Behavior |
| ## Basics on Parkinson's Disease