Utjecaj okolišnih čimbenika na razvoj Parkinsonove bolesti

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder which aff ects 1% of the population aged 60 and over. Th e etiology of PD has not yet been fully clarifi ed, although it is known for years that the patients suff er from degeneration of dopaminergic, primarily nigrostriatal neurons. It is assumed that the disease results from interaction of genetic and environmental factors. An important role is attributed to the action of free radicals, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress mechanism. Th erefore, previous research on the connection between the infl uence of diff erent environmental factors and the development of PD is reviewed, with emphasis on the evaluation of current views and comparison of diff erent results. While clear links to rural living, farming, well water consumption, metals, solvents, coff ee and tea drinking, weight, physical activity, use of nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory drugs and narcotics have not been established, there is general agreement that exposure to pesticides and smoking increase the probability of developing PD. Insuffi ciency of accurate and relevant opinions on this problem indicates the need of further research with clearly defi ned criteria in terms of ‘evidence-based medicine’. Reliable data are essential in order to harmonize opinions, make major contribution and serve as a starting point to explore the possible neuroprotective mechanisms and more eff ective treatments of PD.