The substantia nigra gets its name from Latin and means "black substance.” That’s because while most of your brain is a lighter shade of pinkish-gray, the substantia nigra is much darker, appearing as a band of black tissue surrounded by much lighter tissue. That’s because the brain cells here also containthe most melanin. Melanin is essential for brain function. Lack of it is one of the causes of schizophrenia. This melanin called Neuromelanin gives specific brain sections, such as the substantia nigra or the locus coeruleus, its distinct color. It is a type of melanin and similar to other forms of peripheral melanin.
Neuromelanin is found in higher concentrations in humans than in any other primates. It may be one of the keys to intelligence as the ancient Kemetans, Romans and greeks believed Neuromelanin concentration increases with age, suggesting a role in neuroprotection (neuromelanin can chelate metals and xenobiotics) or slowing senescence (cell death). Chelation is the process whereby minerals are bound to a chelating agent, such as an amino or organic acid, to improve absorption or removal from the organism.
The substantia nigra (SN) in the midbrain is crucial for motor control and reward in the basal ganglia network. The nigrostriatal pathway from SN to putamen is key in Parkinson's disease motor symptoms, as dopamine-producing fibers connect with neuron groups, especially in the putamen.
The basal ganglia consist of interconnected subcortical nuclei responsible for regulating various functions, including voluntary movement, cognitive planning, emotions, reward mechanisms, cognition, and learning. The substantia nigra is traditionally viewed as the main contributor to the basal ganglia network and is crucial for these functions. Damage to these subcortical nuclei, as seen in conditions like stroke or neurodegenerative diseases, can lead to a range of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Tourette syndrome, schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The substantia nigra is a brain structure that is part of your basal ganglia. While it’s very small, this structure is essential in how your brain controls your body’s movements. It also plays a part in the chemical signaling in your brain, which affects learning, mood, judgment, decision-making and other processes. Food additives, cocaine use, flourides in water, preservatives, and weed killers can all contribute to damaging this part of the brain. New research from the United States has found three additional pesticides besides the 11 previously known that are strongly associated with a heightened risk of these ailments including Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have been investigating the potential impact of neurotoxic chemicals on the brain area associated with Parkinson's disease since the 1980s. Despite these studies, many hazardous chemicals, particularly pesticides and herbicides, are still being widely used worldwide. A recent discovery has identified a link between exposure to 14 pesticides and a higher likelihood of developing the aforementioned ailments.
Exposure to environmental toxins, like pesticides and herbicides, is the root cause of Parkinson's disease. Scientists have been aware since the 1980s that certain chemicals can harm the neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to serious brain health issues. New research presented at the 76th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Denver, CO, held from April 13–18, 2024, has identified three additional pesticides associated with a higher likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease. The study received funding from the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
What makes it particularly difficult to protect yourself when it comes to a particular pesticide is that exposure is determined by what you eat, what you breathe, where you work, and people change when they leave and move house. They change jobs, they change diets. Avoiding processed foods and additives as well as contaminated fruits and vegetables becomes difficult. Because the substantia nigra is an essential component of daily functions, damage or degeneration that affects it can result in a wide range of brain disorders or diseases.
Certain conditions that impact the substantia nigra cannot be foreseen and avoided. Conversely, there are preventive measures that can be taken to delay their onset. These include consuming a well-rounded diet, which not only benefits heart health and weight but also supports brain health. Additionally, dedicating time to regular physical activity each week is recommended. The integration of neuro-immune, antioxidant, and nutritional approaches to treatment should afford better neuroprotection, including by attenuating neuroinflammation, and nitro-oxidative stress.
Emphasizing antioxidant mechanisms is crucial for preventive and protective therapies, advocating the inclusion of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation to boost the protective effects of intracellular glutathione. Dietary recommendations endorse a ketogenic diet, regular physical activity, and the use of supplements like NAC, glutathione, melatonin, and niacin for general well-being. Glutathione stands out as a potent antioxidant: While the body typically synthesizes adequate amounts of glutathione, there are instances when levels may diminish. Natural sources of glutathione include foods such as kale and garlic.
Neuromelanin can reversibly bind and interact with amine containing neurotoxins,
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