The Pros And Cons Of Free Radicals
Free radicals are substances responsible for breaking down food, fixing injuries, and producing proteins. Many theorists believe an excess number of free radicals gather in the substantia nigra, and these radicals attack and cause the dopamine cells to disintegrate. Another theory is environmental toxins. Studies have shown that people heavily exposed to copper, lead, manganese, zinc, herbicides,and pesticides have a higher risk of developing PD than people not exposed. Another environmental toxin recently linked to Parkinson’s Disease is the synthetic drug MPTP. MPTP poisons the mitochondria, resulting in decreased energy production and cell death.