Progress and Prospects in Parkinson's Research/Causes/Toxins/Ziram

Background
Ziram is an organic zinc salt used as a fungicide. It has been in use since 1949. The formula is C6H12N2S4Zn and the name is derived from Zinc dithiocarbamate. It is marketed under a variety of names and is used primarily on almonds and stone fruits.

Research
2008

Chou et al examined the effect of Ziram on dopaminergic cells in vitro and concluded:-

"“These results demonstrate that ziram causes selective dopaminergic cell damage in vitro by inhibiting an important degradative pathway implicated in the etiology of PD. Chronic exposure to widely used dithiocarbamate fungicides may contribute to the development of PD, and elucidation of its mechanism would identify a new potential therapeutic target.”"

2011

Wang et al examined the relationship between the incidence of PD and exposure to toxins in the Central Valley of California and concluded:-

"“Those exposed to ziram, maneb, and paraquat together experienced the greatest increase in PD risk. Our results suggest that pesticides affecting different mechanisms that contribute to dopaminergic neuron death may act together to increase the risk of PD considerably.”"