RISK OF PARKINSON'S LINKED TO PESTICIDE EXPOSURE

[Guest guest]

FROM: DONNA M. REILLY

SUFFOLK COUNTY RESIDENT

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RISK OF PARKINSON'S LINKED TO PESTICIDE EXPOSURE

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" GREEN ACRES " IS NOT ALWAYS THE PLACE TO BE…

Toxic agri-chemicals may destroy a lot more than just insects and weeds. A

new case-controlled study confirms that workers exposed to insecticides and

herbicides have a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson's

disease.

A noted neurologist from Henry Ford Hospital and Health Sciences, JM Gorell,

M.D., spearheaded an epidemiological analysis of over 600

individuals--including 144 who had Parkinson's disease. A variety of

environmental and occupational factors previously linked to this degenerative

disease were carefully examined, including well water consumption, pesticide

use, farming, and rural residence.

Researchers established a significant independent correlation between

insecticide and herbicide exposure and subsequent development of

Parkinson's--even after adjusting for risk associated with farming. They

postulated that oxidative stress triggered by pesticides may promote the

deterioration of the substantia nigra ña cell mass in the brain critical for

producing dopamine. Previous studies have shown degeneration of this brain

region in Parkinson's mediated by heightened activity of free radicals.

Although there are specific genetic factors tied to the development of

Parkinson's disease, environmental factors are believed to heavily influence

its onset and progression. The authors of this article in Neurology

(1998;50:1346-1350) emphasize the importance of exploring this relationship,

given the widespread prevalence of pesticide exposure among the general

population. An impaired ability of the liver to detoxify xenobiotic chemicals

has also been cited by experts as a critical metabolic dysfunction linked to

this disease.

NOTE: Great Smokies' Oxidative Stress Analysis evaluates oxidative stress

status and antioxidant reserve, providing insight into the body's

intra-cellular health. The Detoxification Profile assesses the Phase I and

Phase II functional capacity of the liver to convert and clear toxic

substances from the body. The two tests are available as a single

assessment--the Comprehensive Detoxification Profile-a powerful prophylactic

tool in the fight against degenerative disease.

GREAT SMOKIES DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY

<A HREF= " http://WWW.GSDL.COM " >WWW.GSDL.COM</A>

800-522-4762 for more information or send your request for educational

materials to <A HREF= " mailto:cs@... " >cs@...</A>.