Metal Exposure and Risk of Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #cohort-studies #copper #lead #parkinson-disease

Metal Exposure and Risk of Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zhao et al., 2023 | Am J Epidemiol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Zhao Yujia, Ray Anushree, ... Peters Susan. Metal Exposure and Risk of Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Epidemiol. 2023-Jul-07;192(7):1207-1223. doi:10.1093/aje/kwad082

Abstract

Metal exposure has been suggested as a possible environmental risk factor for Parkinson disease (PD). We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to systematically review the literature on the relationship between metal exposure and PD risk and to examine the overall quality of each study and the exposure assessment method. A total of 83 case-control studies and 5 cohort studies published during the period 1963-July 2021 were included, of which 73 were graded as being of low or moderate overall quality. Investigators in 69 studies adopted self-reported exposure and biomonitoring after disease diagnosis for exposure assessment approaches. The meta-analyses showed that concentrations of copper and iron in serum and concentrations of zinc in either serum or plasma were lower, while concentrations of magnesium in CSF and zinc in hair were higher, among PD cases as compared with controls. Cumulative lead levels in bone were found to be associated with increased risk of PD. We did not find associations between other metals and PD. The current level of evidence for associations between metals and PD risk is limited, as biases from methodological limitations cannot be ruled out. High-quality studies assessing metal levels before disease onset are needed to improve our understanding of the role of metals in the etiology of PD.

Key Findings

High-quality studies assessing metal levels before disease onset are needed to improve our understanding of the role of metals in the etiology of PD.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 69
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Cohort Studies
  • Copper
  • Lead
  • Parkinson Disease
  • Zinc
  • Metals

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09