Neurotoxins and Neurodegenerative Disorders in Japanese-American Men Living in Hawaii
Abstract
This is a program of epidemiologic and neuropsthologic research aimed toward determining neurotoxic and preventive/ ameliorative risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD), parkinsonism, and other neurodegenerative conditions using existing data and autopsied brain tissue from the Honolulu Heart Program I Honolulu-Asia Aging Study. Major findings from the four years of this include: a) a significant association of coffee and caffeine consumption with reduced risk of PD, b) an association of years Worked on a plantation and occupation in sugar mill processing with increased risk of PD, c) an association of constipation with development of future PD, d) a significant association of increased triceps skinfold thickness measured in mid-life with future development of Parkinson's disease, e) an association of slow reaction time with presence of incidental Lewy bodies found in the subsantia nigra or locus ceruleus at autopsy, f) an association of elevated GFAP in frozen brain tissue with lower cognitive. function, and g) an association of prolonged QT interval with future risk of PD project. A genetics component found no association of CYP2D6 gene, the-CYP1A2 gene, the dopamine transporter gene, the parkin gene; and the adenosine receptor gene with PD. Organochlorine levels from two areas of brain from each of 15-research subjects with the highest exposure to pesticides are complete and indicate measurable amounts of these compounds in most brains. Request has been made for supplement fluids to perform organochlorine levels on all autopsied brains.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA416158
Entities
People
- G. W. Ross