Tire Wear and Aging Accelerate Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Models, Study Finds

A recent study conducted by scientists at the IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Düsseldorf, Germany, has revealed that tire wear, along with age and temperature, can hasten neurodegeneration in models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The research, published in the journal Environmental Pollution, utilized the nematode C. elegans as a model organism.

While genetic factors and age are commonly associated with neurodegenerative diseases, air pollution has also emerged as a significant risk factor. When considering air pollution, car exhaust is often the first thing that comes to mind, but tire wear is also a contributing factor.

To investigate the impact of tire wear and age, Professor Anna von Mikecz and her research group studied models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease using the nematode C. elegans. Additionally, they considered the influence of global warming by conducting experiments at different ambient temperatures.

The study focused on silicon dioxide (nano-silica; SiO₂), a component commonly found in tires. This particular particle had previously been studied by the research group, revealing negative effects when ingested by the nematode. In the current study, negative effects were observed when the nematode absorbed silica particles from its environment.

The researchers observed the degradation of nerve cells in the nematodes. The model for Alzheimer's disease displayed heightened susceptibility, with reduced nerve function observed. In the model for Parkinson's disease, nerve cells responsible for dopamine production underwent degradation. The findings indicated that tire wear, aging, and an ambient temperature of 25 degrees Celsius all contributed to the accelerated deterioration of nerve cells in the nematode models for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

"This is the first time that we have studied the effect of temperature on the degeneration of neurons, and the results are really exciting," said Professor Anna von Mikecz. "The studies in C. elegans Alzheimer's and Parkinson's models show that cold ambient temperature prolongs their health span. This is also consistent with observations from a research team in Cologne, Germany, that were published recently." The next step for Mikecz's group is to explore the effects of other tire components and urban air samples.

The study highlights the role of tire wear, along with age and temperature, in accelerating neurodegeneration in models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Understanding these factors can contribute to the development of strategies to mitigate the risks associated with these prevalent neurological disorders.