Comparative analysis of the epigenetic impact of various environmental toxicants on the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
Background
Pollution causes serious concerns, and one of the reasons is its impact on the human body. Under the influence of toxins spreading in nature due to human activity, people’s epigenome changes (Li et al. 1). As a result, at the moment, the study of the influence of environmental particles on the development of diseases in humans is relevant. Although the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease is not fully established, the researchers are confident that toxicants’ impact is powerful (Antoniadou et al. 299). It is crucial to identify which of the environmental factors most contribute to the development of such diseases. Such a study draws attention to the problem of environmental pollution, which may contribute to increased environmental responsibility. Moreover, the study will help consider potential treatment options. From the evolutionary biology perspective, the topic reveals the features of the human epigenome’s reaction to environmental changes.
Previous Research, Hypothesis, and Research Plan
Several studies have already focused on various aspects of the problem, which provides the basis for the proposal of several hypotheses and a research plan. Li et al. describe nine works devoted to the environment’s influence on the genome and epigenome and the subsequent development of non-infectious diseases (1-2). Antoniadou et al. provide more focused research and offer a review of the effects of metals on the development of dementia (299-306). Mir et al. consider the environmental impact on the development of Alzheimer’s disease (44724-44742). Dunn et al. study the interaction of genes and external factors (73-80). One may hypothesize that toxicants negatively affect the human epigenome and contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The research plan will include an examination, review, and comparison of existing studies and evidence of the impact of toxicants through a literature overview to answer this question.
Works Cited
Antoniadou, Fevronia et al. “Toxic Environmental Factors and their Association with the Development of Dementia: A Mini Review on Heavy Metals and Ambient Particulate Matter.” Materia Socio-Medica, vol. 32, no. 4, 2020, pp. 299-306.
Dunn, Amy R. et al. “Gene-by-Environment Interactions in Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, vol. 103, 2019, pp. 73-80.
Li, Yanqiang, et al. “Environmental Genomics and Epigenomics: Response, Development and Disease.” Frontiers in Genetics, vol. 12, 2021, pp. 1-2.
Mir, Reyaz Hassan, et al. “Role of Environmental Pollutants in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 27, no, 36, 2020, pp. 44724-44742.