UCLA study reveals how air pollution may increase risk of Parkinson’s disease
May 19, 2020A UCLA study published in Toxicological Science has found evidence of a link between air pollution and the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain. The study found that chemicals in diesel exhaust can damage brain cells in zebrafish and potentially contribute to Parkinson’s disease.
“Overall, this report shows a plausible mechanism of why air pollution may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr. Jeff Bronstein, professor of neurology in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of the UCLA Movement Disorder Program.
Pollution from diesel engines is a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Southern California.
Read the full story at UCLA Newsroom.