Home » “In humans, they can change the function of nerve cells”

“In humans, they can change the function of nerve cells”

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Rome, March 26 (beraking latest news Salute) – Exposure to Pfas, waterproofing chemical compounds used since the 1950s for the production of numerous commercial products, creates neuronal damage. This is what emerged from a study by the University of Padua started from the relationships between Pfas pollution and congenital anomalies of the nervous system or behavioral and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, autism and attention and hyperactivity disorders. The study showed that in the presence of significant plasma concentrations of Pfoa, Pfos and Pfhxs, important signs of accumulation of these substances were found, especially in areas consisting of particular neurons called dopaminergic, such as the hypothalamus.

“Preliminary data suggest an involvement of the cells implicated in the degenerative process of Parkinson’s – said Professor Angelo Antonini, head of the Parkinson and Rare Neurological Diseases Unit of the Neurological Clinic of the University of Padua -. We still do not know if the Pfas can then determine an alteration in the degradation processes of the alpha-synuclein protein underlying this disease. However, they confirm a vulnerability of these brain nuclei and that environmental factors together with the genetic profile probably play an important role as a trigger in the degenerative process “.

To verify the biological effects of these substances on dopaminergic neurons, neuronal stem cells at different stages of differentiation, up to the mature dopaminergic neuron, were grown in the laboratory. It has been observed that Pfas at concentrations similar to those found in brain areas integrate with neuronal membranes, modifying their structure and stability. The effect of Pfas is more evident the earlier the maturation stage is. Studies are underway to determine what the functional consequences of these observations are.

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“For the first time it has been shown that in humans these chemicals can modify the function of nerve cells – explained Carlo Foresta, professor of Endocrinology at the University of Padua -. Further studies are needed to quantify the consequences on people’s health. . The observations that demonstrate a greater sensitivity of not yet mature neuronal cells suggest that the effects of Pfas may be more evident during the more sensitive phases of the development of the nervous system such as in the embryo “.

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