Certain fungicides* are causing gene expression changes in mice similar to those in humans suffering from degenerative diseases. There is now a way to target chemicals that affect the function of the brain. The big question is still surrounding how much you take in compared to the fruit and vegetables containing them that are eaten.
Study author and professor at UNC School of Medicine Mark Zylka worked on mice and found out that when their neurons were exposed to a variety of chemicals and RNA was used to ascertain which genes were misregulated. Computers were then used to determine the chemicals that had caused similar gene changes.
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Chemicals from 6 groups changed expression in the same way, and there was one that altered the same genes that change when a human has Alzheimer’s, but there is more study needed. Rotenone and fenpyroximate which are pesticides and fungicides including fenamidone and fluoxastrobin. It was discovered that free radicles were produced, and these can affect neuron microtubules. The limit of the effect on animals and humans is not entirely known.
Many of the fungicides tested have been used more abundantly since 2000 with only the use of pyridaben decreasing. Pyraclostrobin is used to the decline in the honey bee population. Zylka points out that it is lettuce and kale that contains the highest amount of fungicides and farmers are using them to treat additional crops. He hopes more research will be carried out as not enough is known about what they can do.
*Fungicides are biocidal chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill or inhibit fungi or fungal spores.
