There is a molecular link between Parkinson’s disease and melanoma

[Boscoejean]

If there are any suspicious changes to the skin it is a good idea to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist can also do a thorough check of areas where it would be hard to see if there are changes such as the back.

"Until now, there was an established connection between these diseases, but no one understood what caused the relationship. According to Dr. Ritz, new research identifies a protein, called alpha synuclein, as the common link between PD and melanoma.

“An abundance of the protein alpha synuclein plays a big role in the development of PD,” Dr. Ritz explains. “Studies also show that people who have PD not only have a higher level of alpha synuclein in their brain but also their skin. That increased level of alpha synuclein in the skin puts you at a higher risk for melanoma.”

In simple terms, PD does not cause melanoma and melanoma does not cause PD; rather, both diseases may depend on increased levels of alpha synuclein protein in different parts of your body. If your body makes too much of this protein or does not break down enough of it, you are at a higher risk of developing PD and melanoma."

uclahealth.org/news/article...

[SallyBeeBobs]

This may be why more redheads get PD??

I'm a redhead (the only one in my family). I'm also the only person in my family to have PD.

[Boscoejean in reply to SallyBeeBobs]

"Yes, redheads are more likely to develop melanoma and Parkinson's disease (PD):

Melanoma

Red hair is associated with a higher risk of melanoma because of a variant in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene. This variant causes melanocytes to produce pheomelanin, a red or yellow pigment that offers weak UV protection, instead of eumelanin, the black or brown pigment that shields DNA from UV waves. Redheads are also at risk for melanoma due to somatic mutations in BRAF, which are acquired by errors in DNA copying.

PD

Redheads have a higher risk of developing PD, especially early-onset PD. One study found that redheads had the highest rates of PD, while people with black hair had the lowest. Another study found that redheads with the MC1R variant p.R151C have an even greater risk of PD.

Other factors that increase the risk of developing melanoma and PD include: Being older, Having a close relative with melanoma or PD, Being male, and Having fair skin"

directorsblog.nih.gov/2013/...!

[SallyBeeBobs in reply to Boscoejean]

Ah, the curse of being a red haired woman!

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Ah well, at least we're no longer burnt at the stake.

[Boscoejean in reply to SallyBeeBobs]

hadn't heard about the burning at the stake business but also heard about a higher chance of respiratory infections due to immune differences (I am not a red head but have friends who are)

[Steegen]

Theoretical, but some supplements that seem to be beneficial to PD are also linked with lower incidence of melanoma or other skin cancers (lithium, niacin, for e.g.)

[Boscoejean in reply to Steegen]

immunity is also considered to be a factor and some research into melatonin

"According to clinical investigations, melatonin (MLT) has the potential to prevent and cure cancer. It is nontoxic and has a plethora of anticancer properties including apoptosis, antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and metastasis-inhibitory mechanisms"

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi....

[Smittybear7]

Thanks for sharing!

[Eryl]

It's possible that the alpha is the result of PD and not the cause. Part of the cause of both could be oxidative damage done to the cells by foods like refined carbs which raise blood sugar and refined seed oils (it is known that refined seed oils increase risk of cancer and sun burn (check out Dr Cris knobbe- diseases of civilisation... on youtube). youtu.be/Hhg3m8XUWuI?si=_sK...(Not working as expected?)

[Boscoejean in reply to Eryl]

Is this information available in print form somewhere like a research study? I did find this

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

[Eryl in reply to Boscoejean]

Would these help? chrisknobbe.com/ and drberg.com/blog/can-parkins... youtu.be/7kGnfXXIKZM?si=NAk...(Not working as expected?)

[Boscoejean in reply to Eryl]

ok thanks

[LagLag37]

Good post!