Autism and Parkinson's disease.
The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, is multifaceted, having a variety of genetic and environmental factors. There is considerable evidence to support the role of toxins, particularly pesticides and herbicides, in at least some of those affected (presumably, mostly the genetically vulnerable). The pathogenesis of autism is no less complex, but little is known about the potential role of toxins for autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder. The incidence of autism appears to be rising, and early exposure to synthetic chemicals is one suspect for this rise. Impaired detoxification of certain chemicals may be common to autism and Parkinson's disease. Further study of environmental influences for either disorder may lead to important insights regarding causation for both, and perhaps for other neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders as well.
Woodward
G
G
Department of Neurology, University of Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008658:Inactivation, Metabolic; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014118:Toxins, Biological / Q000633:toxicity
D014118:Toxins, Biological