Health (Commonwealth Union) – Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have shed light on the potential hazards posed by certain household chemicals to brain health. They propose that chemicals commonly found in various everyday items, ranging from furniture to hair products, might be associated with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Advancements in research hold promise for enhancing our understanding of ASD and developing more effective interventions. Neuroimaging studies, genetic analyses, and investigations into early developmental markers may provide insights into the underlying neurobiology of ASD and identify potential targets for intervention.
While neurological disorders affect millions worldwide, only a fraction of cases can be solely associated with genetics as a factor, suggesting that unidentified environmental factors play a significant role in the onset of these diseases.
Neurological disorders together with cancer and heart disease are some of the main conditions impacting aging. Many centenarians residing in blue zones have had less of an impact from these conditions which call for the need to scrutinize the environment we live in and the food we consume.
Published recently in the journal Nature Neuroscience, the new study reveals that certain commonplace household chemicals specifically impact oligodendrocytes in the brain. Oligodendrocytes are specialized cells responsible for producing the protective insulation around nerve cells.
Oligodendrocytes play a pivotal role in regulating the microenvironment surrounding neurons. They contribute to the metabolic support of axons, supply essential nutrients, and participate in the clearance of debris and toxins, thereby fostering a conducive environment for neuronal function and survival.
In the complex tapestry of the nervous system, oligodendrocytes emerge as indispensable players, responsible for the maintenance of myelin and the preservation of neuronal function. Despite operating behind the scenes, these cells wield immense influence over the integrity and efficiency of neural communication.
As our understanding of oligodendrocyte biology continues to evolve, so too does the potential for innovative therapies targeting diseases of myelin. By unraveling the mysteries of these unsung heroes, researchers endeavor to unlock new avenues for treating neurological disorders and improving the quality of life for millions worldwide.
“Loss of oligodendrocytes underlies multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases,” explained the principal investigator of the study, Paul Tesar, the Dr. Donald and Ruth Weber Goodman who is Professor of Innovative Therapeutics and director of the Institute for Glial Sciences at the School of Medicine. “We now show that specific chemicals in consumer products can directly harm oligodendrocytes, representing a previously unrecognized risk factor for neurological disease.”
Given the insufficient research on chemical impacts on brain health, a study examined over 1,800 chemicals potentially affecting humans. It pinpointed two categories—organophosphate flame retardants and quaternary ammonium compounds—as selectively harmful to oligodendrocytes. Quaternary ammonium compounds, abundant in personal-care items and disinfectants heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, are particularly ubiquitous. Organophosphate flame retardants are commonly found in electronics and furniture, according to the researcher of the study.
Through laboratory experiments utilizing cellular and organoid systems, researchers showcased that quaternary ammonium compounds induce oligodendrocyte demise, whereas organophosphate flame retardants impede oligodendrocyte maturation.
This damage was further evidenced in developing mouse brains exposed to the same chemicals. Moreover, one of these chemicals showed a correlation with adverse neurological outcomes in children on a national scale.
“We found that oligodendrocytes—but not other brain cells—are surprisingly vulnerable to quaternary ammonium compounds and organophosphate flame retardants,” added Erin Cohn, who is the lead author and graduate student in the School of Medicine, Medical Scientist Training Program. “Understanding human exposure to these chemicals may help explain a missing link in how some neurological diseases arise.”
The experts cautioned that there is a need for further investigation into the correlation between human exposure to these chemicals and their impact on brain health. They emphasized the necessity for future studies to monitor chemical levels in both adult and pediatric brains, aiming to ascertain the thresholds and durations of exposure that may lead to the onset or exacerbation of diseases.
“Our findings suggest that more comprehensive scrutiny of the impacts of these common household chemicals on brain health is necessary,” added Tesar. “We hope our work will contribute to informed decisions regarding regulatory measures or behavioral interventions to minimize chemical exposure and protect human health.”
Other researchers from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency who contributed to the study were Benjamin Clayton, Mayur Madhavan, Kristin Lee, Sara Yacoub, Yuriy Fedorov, Marissa Scavuzzo, Katie Paul Friedman, and Timothy Shafer.
