The Link Between Paraquat and Demyelination: A Review of Current Evidence

Paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridilium dichloride), a widely used bipyridinium herbicide, is known for inducing oxidative stress, leading to extensive cellular toxicity, particularly in the lungs, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system (CNS), and is implicated in fatal poisonings. Due to its...

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Main Authors: Renata Silva, Ana Filipa Sobral, Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira, Daniel José Barbosa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Antioxidants
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/11/1354
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author Renata Silva
Ana Filipa Sobral
Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
Daniel José Barbosa
author_facet Renata Silva
Ana Filipa Sobral
Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
Daniel José Barbosa
author_sort Renata Silva
collection DOAJ
description Paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridilium dichloride), a widely used bipyridinium herbicide, is known for inducing oxidative stress, leading to extensive cellular toxicity, particularly in the lungs, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system (CNS), and is implicated in fatal poisonings. Due to its biochemical similarities with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), paraquat has been used as a Parkinson’s disease model, although its broader neurotoxic effects suggest the participation of multiple mechanisms. Demyelinating diseases are conditions characterized by damage to the myelin sheath of neurons. They affect the CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS), resulting in diverse clinical manifestations. In recent years, growing concerns have emerged about the impact of chronic, low-level exposure to herbicides on human health, particularly due to agricultural runoff contaminating drinking water sources and their presence in food. Studies indicate that paraquat may significantly impact myelinating cells, myelin-related gene expression, myelin structure, and cause neuroinflammation, potentially contributing to demyelination. Therefore, demyelination may represent another mechanism of neurotoxicity associated with paraquat, which requires further investigation. This manuscript reviews the potential association between paraquat and demyelination. Understanding this link is crucial for enhancing strategies to minimize exposure and preserve public health.
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spelling doaj-art-a340646500a640eb9c6407ec018e95572024-11-26T17:47:06ZengMDPI AGAntioxidants2076-39212024-11-011311135410.3390/antiox13111354The Link Between Paraquat and Demyelination: A Review of Current EvidenceRenata Silva0Ana Filipa Sobral1Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira2Daniel José Barbosa3Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, PortugalAssociate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, PortugalAssociate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, PortugalAssociate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, PortugalParaquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridilium dichloride), a widely used bipyridinium herbicide, is known for inducing oxidative stress, leading to extensive cellular toxicity, particularly in the lungs, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system (CNS), and is implicated in fatal poisonings. Due to its biochemical similarities with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), paraquat has been used as a Parkinson’s disease model, although its broader neurotoxic effects suggest the participation of multiple mechanisms. Demyelinating diseases are conditions characterized by damage to the myelin sheath of neurons. They affect the CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS), resulting in diverse clinical manifestations. In recent years, growing concerns have emerged about the impact of chronic, low-level exposure to herbicides on human health, particularly due to agricultural runoff contaminating drinking water sources and their presence in food. Studies indicate that paraquat may significantly impact myelinating cells, myelin-related gene expression, myelin structure, and cause neuroinflammation, potentially contributing to demyelination. Therefore, demyelination may represent another mechanism of neurotoxicity associated with paraquat, which requires further investigation. This manuscript reviews the potential association between paraquat and demyelination. Understanding this link is crucial for enhancing strategies to minimize exposure and preserve public health.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/11/1354paraquatmyelinoligodendrocytesSchwann cellsdemyelinationneurotoxicology
spellingShingle Renata Silva
Ana Filipa Sobral
Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
Daniel José Barbosa
The Link Between Paraquat and Demyelination: A Review of Current Evidence
Antioxidants
paraquat
myelin
oligodendrocytes
Schwann cells
demyelination
neurotoxicology
title The Link Between Paraquat and Demyelination: A Review of Current Evidence
title_full The Link Between Paraquat and Demyelination: A Review of Current Evidence
title_fullStr The Link Between Paraquat and Demyelination: A Review of Current Evidence
title_full_unstemmed The Link Between Paraquat and Demyelination: A Review of Current Evidence
title_short The Link Between Paraquat and Demyelination: A Review of Current Evidence
title_sort link between paraquat and demyelination a review of current evidence
topic paraquat
myelin
oligodendrocytes
Schwann cells
demyelination
neurotoxicology
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/11/1354
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