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Carbon monoxide linked to lower Parkinson's risk in new study
A new study involving over 500,000 participants suggests that carbon monoxide may explain the long-observed statistical link between smoking and a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
Researchers from the United Kingdom and China analyzed exhaled carbon monoxide levels and found that individuals who had never smoked but exhibited exhaled carbon monoxide levels of at least 3 ppm had an approximately 30% lower risk of Parkinson's. While carbon monoxide is typically known as a toxic gas, at low concentrations it may act as a signaling molecule that influences biological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular survival.
This finding builds on previous research, including a 65-year study of 30,000 British doctors which showed smokers had a 30% to 40% lower risk of the disease. Experts, including neurology professor Dr. Michael Okun, emphasize that this association does not imply that smoking is beneficial for brain health.
Entities
Jama Neurology · Michael Okun · Neurology · University of Florida
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A 2002 study of identical twins found those without Parkinson's tended to smoke more than those with the disease. www.fehmarn24.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.merkur.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] A new study of 500,000 people suggests carbon monoxide may explain the lower risk of Parkinson's in smokers. www.fehmarn24.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.merkur.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Dr. Michael Okun of the University of Florida stated that the association does not imply smoking is beneficial for brain health. www.fehmarn24.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.merkur.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] A 65-year follow-up study of over 30,000 British doctors showed smokers had a 30% to 40% lower risk of Parkinson's than non-smokers. www.fehmarn24.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.merkur.de