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Researchers at National Sun Yat-sen University have uncovered a concerning link between cigarette smoking and the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Led by researchers Wang Chia-chen and Fan Hsiu-fang, the study published in the international journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience discussed the detrimental effects of ultrafine suspended particles (PM1) emitted by cigarettes on the progression of Parkinson's disease.

The study showed the importance of people with a family history of Parkinson's disease avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke, as it may exacerbate the course of the condition.

Chia-chen, the director of the school's Aerosol Science Research Center, and Hsiu-fang, from the Institute of Medical Science and Technology, cautioned against the potential impact of PM1 particles on Parkinson's disease progression.

PM1 particles, comprising 80% of a cigarette's aerosol particles, are found to worsen oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death associated with Parkinson's disease.

Wang noted the likelihood of PM1 particles settling deep in the lungs, potentially penetrating the bloodstream and affecting other organs or entering the central nervous system.

"After aerosol particles of different sizes enter the human body through breathing, they settle into different parts of the respiratory system based on their particle size and other physical and chemical properties," Wang said, according to Taipei Times.

"The smaller the particles, the greater the chance of entering deeper into the lungs and depositing in the lower respiratory tract or alveolar area," she reportedly added.

"They can even cause neurodegenerative diseases or aggravate their progression, as we've seen here, and general medical masks cannot effectively filter particles below PM2.5."

The study, conducted using the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y as a model, revealed the intensification of cellular activities, including intracellular toxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy dysregulation, ultimately contributing to Parkinson's disease pathology.

People at high risk, including those with Parkinson's disease, a family history of early-onset Parkinson's disease, or abnormal late-night schedules, are advised to avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke to mitigate disease risk.

Moreover, adopting a diet rich in antioxidants and engaging in regular exercise can enhance cellular antioxidant capacity, potentially slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease.

As the findings shed light on the detrimental effects of cigarette smoking on Parkinson's disease, the researchers are advocating for greater awareness and preventive measures to reduce the burden of this debilitating condition.