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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. In order to refer to this article on its own click here. Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn