Smoking is one of the biggest enemies of health and a leading cause of premature death, but paradoxically, smokers have about a 50% lower risk of developing Parkinson\u2019s disease than non-smokers. This unusual association was first noticed around 50 years ago, but the exact reason has remained unknown until now.<\/p>\n
After trials of nicotine failed to slow the progression of Parkinson\u2019s disease, scientists began investigating other gases found in cigarette smoke. A new study suggests that carbon monoxide (CO)<\/strong> may be responsible for this protective effect.<\/p>\n What does the new study show?<\/strong><\/p>\n Researchers used data from the China Kadoorie Biobank<\/em>, which contains health information on around half a million adults. They measured levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in participants\u2019 exhaled breath.<\/p>\n The results were noteworthy:<\/p>\n This suggests that it may not be smoking itself that protects the brain against Parkinson\u2019s disease, but rather the carbon monoxide that a person is exposed to through smoking or other sources.<\/p>\n Where does CO enter the bodies of non-smokers?<\/strong><\/p>\n Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, coal and gasoline. Therefore, polluted air, the use of solid fuels for indoor heating, or exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke can increase CO levels in the body.<\/p>\n In addition, human cells naturally produce small amounts of CO themselves. Although it is toxic and potentially lethal at high doses, at very low concentrations it may help protect cells from damage, suppress inflammation and support the immune system.<\/p>\n What does this mean for the future?<\/strong><\/p>\n The researchers emphasize that this finding in no way justifies starting smoking or delaying smoking cessation.<\/strong> The harmful effects of smoking far outweigh any potential benefits.<\/p>\n The study only suggests that low doses of carbon monoxide may have neuroprotective properties. Clinical trials are already underway to test low doses of CO as a potential treatment in people with Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n