Researchers at Hebei University have discovered a new potential biomarker for Parkinson’s disease lurking in human hair.
By analyzing of 60 patients with this condition, scientists compared the results with data from healthy individuals of the same age and found significant differences.
In the hair samples of patients with Parkinson’s disease, researchers observed significantly lower levels of iron and copper, along with higher levels of manganese and arsenic.
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that progresses slowly. It is characterized by the gradual death of nerve cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. This disease is incurable, but its symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, and slowed movements, can be managed with medication and therapy. It most commonly affects individuals over the age of 60.
Why is this discovery important?
The true cause of remains a mystery. Previous studies have linked this condition to disruptions in gut microbiota and unhealthy diets, particularly those high in ultra-processed foods. There is also evidence suggesting a strong connection between the disease and environmental pollutants, such as pesticides.
Developing a non-invasive yet reliable method for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease has been a challenging task until recently. Scientists have recently developed effective biomarkers for this condition based on blood analysis. However, human hair possesses properties that blood does not.
It is known that our hair accumulates heavy metals from food or the environment. Unlike saliva, sweat, blood, or urine, it can retain a longer history of health status, as reported by Science Alert.
By comparing the differences in hair between sick and healthy individuals, researchers examined the fur of laboratory mice exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Ultimately, the team discovered a decrease in iron levels in the hair of the rodents, which was closely linked to gut dysfunction. Meanwhile, the genes in the mice responsible for iron absorption were suppressed, while the activity of genes involved in iron uptake by microorganisms was increased, potentially leading to iron deficiency in the body.
Scientists believe that the connection between gut microbiome and the genes responsible for iron metabolism provides “fundamental evidence that these systems are interconnected in the context of a pathology similar to Parkinson’s disease.”
The elevated levels of arsenic in hair also warrant further investigation, as they may be influenced by environmental factors. Notably, participants in the study with Parkinson’s disease consumed more organ meats and seafood, which are more likely to contain arsenic.
“Considering all these results, we suggest that the decrease in iron levels in hair may indicate gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with Parkinson’s disease, as well as an imbalance in gut microbiota,” the team wrote in their report.
The authors of the study believe that their discovery holds significant diagnostic potential for detecting this disease. However, further research involving larger population groups is needed to confirm the results.
And who knows, perhaps in the near future, diagnosing Parkinson’s disease will only require a few strands of hair.
The study’s findings were published in the journal iScience.
