Nicotine from edible Solanaceae and risk of Parkinson disease

Abstract

Objective To test whether risk of Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with consumption of nicotine-containing edibles from the same botanical family as tobacco, Solanaceae, including peppers, tomatoes and potatoes. Methods In a population-based study with 490 newly diagnosed idiopathic PD cases diagnosed during 1992–2008 at the University of Washington Neurology Clinic or Group Health Cooperative in western Washington State and 644 unrelated, neurologically normal controls, we examined whether PD was associated with self-reported typical frequency of consumption of peppers, tomatoes, tomato juice and potatoes during adulthood, while adjusting for consumption of other vegetables, age, sex, race/ethnicity, tobacco use and caffeine. Results PD was inversely associated with consumption of all edible Solanaceae combined (relative risk [RR]=0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65–1.01 per time per day), but not consumption of all other vegetables combined (RR=1.00, 95% CI 0.92–1.10). The trend strengthened when we weighted edible Solanaceae by nicotine concentration (ptrend=0.004). An inverse association was also evident for peppers specifically (ptrend=0.005). The potentially protective effect of edible Solanaceae largely occurred in men and women who had never used tobacco or who had smoked cigarettes <10 years. Interpretation Dietary nicotine or other constituents of tobacco and peppers may reduce PD risk. However, confirmation and extension of these findings is needed to strengthen causal inferences that could suggest possible dietary or pharmaceutical interventions for PD prevention.

Recent Studies on Nutrition and Parkinson’s Disease Prevention: A Systematic Review

“…While a theory to explain these results is lacking, they are consistent with the findings of an older study [40]. Similarly, the results for caffeine intake [9] [13] [31] and nicotine intake [33] are similar to those reported by previous literature [41]- [45]. Whether this will develop into a warrant for a recommendation that people consume only black coffee, and to do so a specific number of times per day remains to be seen.…”

“…In addition to these population-based epidemiologic studies, three large case-control studies were also examined [31]- [33]. Tanaka et al [31] assessed the association of the intake of coffee, other caffeine containing beverages, and caffeine with the risk of PD in Japan, in a case-control study including 249 PD cases and 368 control subjects.…”

“…Nielsen et al [33] compared 490 newly diagnosed idiopathic PD cases diagnosed during 1992 to 2008 with 644 unrelated, neurologically normal controls. They investigated whether PD was associated with self-reported frequency of consumption of foods from the Solanaceae family: including peppers, tomatoes, tomato juice, and potatoes.…”

Current Understanding on the Beneficial Role of Nutrition in Parkinson’s Disease –An Overview

“…Accordingly, attenuation of oxidative damage by natural constituents has been considered as an attractive complementary proposition to delay or prevent the development/progression of several NDD including PD. Epidemiological and biochemical studies have recently identified promising components in certain food groups that may elicit neuroprotection in PD [7]. Interestingly, few recent studies have also indicated an increasing risk of malnutrition among PD patients and that malnourished patients remain under-recognized by health professionals.…”

Splice Variant Biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease

“…A growing body of evidence suggests that nutrition may play an important role in PD. Epidemiological and biochemical studies have recently identified promising components in certain food groups that may elicit neuroprotection in PD (Searles Nielsen et al, 2013;Shaltiel-Karyo et al, 2013). However, inclusion or exclusion of other food groups may trigger or exacerbate neurodegeneration.…”