Mechanism of Gene-Environment Interactions Driving Glial Activation in Parkinson's Diseases.

Astroglia and microglia are the two principal cells that play an essential role in maintaining neuronal health in many ways, including through immunological means. Exposure to environmental stressors from various sources affects these glial cells leading to chronic and sustained inflammation. Recent epidemiological studies have identified an interaction among environmental factors and glial genes in Parkinson's disease. Mechanistic studies have shown that exposure to pesticides like rotenone and paraquat, neurotoxic metals like manganese and lead, and even diesel exhaust fumes induce glial activation by regulating various key inflammatory pathways, including the inflammasomes, NOX pathways, and others. This review aims to discuss the recent advances in understanding the mechanism of glial induction in response to environmental stressors and discuss the potential role of gene-environment interaction in driving glial activation.