Parkinson’s disease: A preventable consequence of oxidative stress

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is predominantly an idiopathic disorder, with only 5–10% of cases attributable to genetic factors. This work advances the view that PD is a preventable consequence of oxidative stress, driven by aging and exacerbated by lifestyle habits. Dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra are uniquely vulnerable due to high metabolic activity, iron accumulation, glutathione depletion, and toxic by-products such as 6-hydroxydopamine. These elements interact through four interlocked positive feedback loops—mitochondrial dysfunction, false iron signaling, glutathione collapse, and 6-hydroxydopamine amplification—that progressively heighten oxidative stress and culminate in neuronal death. The pathology traditionally associated with Lewy bodies is reframed as a secondary consequence of disrupted redox balance. Since neuronal loss exceeds 70% at diagnosis and regeneration is not currently possible, prevention remains the most viable therapeutic approach. Early identification of oxidative stress biomarkers, combined with lifestyle interventions such as exercise and dietary modification, offers potential to reduce PD risk.*Abstract was generated by ChatGPT on September 10, 2025 with the prompt: "Prepare a 150-word summary to be used as an abstract for this work."