Exp Neurobiol.  2012 Sep;21(3):123-128. 10.5607/en.2012.21.3.123.

Environmental-Genetic Interactions in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease

• Tsuboi Y

• KMID: 2135002
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5607/en.2012.21.3.123

Abstract

To date, numerous case-control studies have shown the complexity of the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). In terms of genetic factors, several susceptibility genes are known to contribute to the development of PD, including alpha-synuclein (SNCA), leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), and glucocerebrosidase (GBA). In addition, numerous recent epidemiological studies have shown that several environmental factors are either risk factors for PD or protective factors against PD. Risk factors identified include herbicides and pesticides (e.g., paraquat, rotenone, and maneb), metals (e.g., manganese and lead), head trauma, and well water. In contrast, smoking and coffee/caffeine consumption are known to be protective against PD. A recent finding in this field is that environmental-genetic interactions contribute more to the pathogenesis of PD than do genetic factors or environmental factors alone. In this review, I will discuss how these interactions promote the development of PD.

Keyword

Parkinson's disease; environmental factor; genetic factor; environmental-genetic interaction

MeSH Terms

alpha-Synuclein
Case-Control Studies
Craniocerebral Trauma
Glucosylceramidase
Herbicides
Manganese
Metals
Paraquat
Parkinson Disease
Pesticides
Phosphotransferases
Risk Factors
Rotenone
Smoke
Smoking
Water wells
Glucosylceramidase
Herbicides
Manganese
Metals
Paraquat
Pesticides
Phosphotransferases
Rotenone
Smoke
Water wells
alpha-Synuclein