Air Pollution's Potential Role in Parkinson's Disease: New Research Findings
Exposure to low oxygen may help alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease, according to a new report. However, further research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of this strategy. Brief periods of exposure to mildly decreased oxygen levels may stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1alpha), a protein that controls cellular responses to oxygen availability. The review of eight studies found that low oxygen protocols did not report safety issues, but the detailed protocols used were unclear. More controlled clinical trials are needed to assess the effects of low oxygen therapies on Parkinson's symptoms and their interaction with other treatments.