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Earwax Secretions May Help Detect Parkinson's Disease
Earwax Secretions May Help Detect Parkinson's Disease

Medscape

timea day ago

  • Health
  • Medscape

Earwax Secretions May Help Detect Parkinson's Disease

Odors from earwax may help distinguish individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) from those without the condition, a new study suggests. Researchers found that four volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ear canal secretions significantly differed between participants with and without PD. The compounds — ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane — may represent potential biomarkers. An artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO)-based screening model used in the study identified those with PD with 94% accuracy. 'The accuracy of the model really surprised us,' study investigator Hao Dong, Research Center for Frontier Fundamental Studies, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China, MD, told Medscape Medical News . However, the study was a 'small-scale, single-center experiment,' he noted in a press release. 'The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers, and among multiple ethnic groups in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value,' Dong said. The findings were published online recently in Analytical Chemistry . Unique Odor Profile 'Our team has long been engaged in the detection of [VOCs] secreted by the human body. By chance, we came across reports on the detection of sebum VOCs for Parkinson's,' Dong said. Sebum, the oily substance secreted by the skin, may carry a distinct scent in individuals with PD. In a 2019 study cited by Dong, researchers noninvasively collected sebum samples from the upper backs of 64 participants. The findings suggested that samples from those with PD contained compounds associated with a unique odor profile. Dong and his team began with a confirmatory experiment using sebum samples collected from the upper back, as in the original study. However, they found that earwax was easier to collect and had a more stable chemical composition. These findings led them to focus on earwax in the current study. Ear wax also contains sebum. But unlike sebum on the surface of the skin, which is exposed to various factors that can degrade it. In contrast, sebum on skin inside the ear canal is protected. Dong's study included 209 participants, 108 of whom had a diagnosis of PD. Ear canal secretions were collected from all participants using swabs and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed that ear canal secretions from participants with PD contained 196 distinct VOCs compared with 168 VOCs in those without PD. Interestingly, no two participants had identical VOC profiles. A Disease 'Fingerprint'? 'In this case, VOC components could be used as a 'fingerprint' for disease identification,' the researchers wrote. Adjusted analyses identified four VOCs that significantly differed between participants with and without PD: ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane. The investigators trained the AIO system using VOC data. By combining gas chromatography-surface acoustic wave sensors with a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, the AIO system achieved up to 94.4% accuracy in distinguishing participants with PD from those without. In addition, the CNN model demonstrated a high level of performance with an area under the curve of 0.98, well above the 0.8 threshold considered strong by the researchers. 'Further enhancements to the diagnostic model could pave the way for a promising new PD diagnostic solution and the clinical use of a bedside PD diagnostic device,' the investigators wrote. For now, Dong said the study's takeaway message for clinicians is that 'the potential of volatile organic compounds secreted by the skin as biomarkers for Parkinson's disease has been further verified.'

Parkinson's disease: NOT your brain; study reveals your ears might hold clues to early signs of the disease
Parkinson's disease: NOT your brain; study reveals your ears might hold clues to early signs of the disease

Time of India

time3 days ago

  • Health
  • Time of India

Parkinson's disease: NOT your brain; study reveals your ears might hold clues to early signs of the disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, specifically those producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for coordinating movement. This leads to a range of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. While there is no cure, treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Globally, Parkinson's disease (PD) affects millions. A study published in The BMJ in March 2025 projects that 25.2 million people will be living with Parkinson's by 2050. But what if we can detect Parkinson's disease with an easy hack? No scans, no invasive tests – imagine being able to early diagnose Parkinson's with a gentle swab of your ear. Recent research reveals that earwax – or cerumen – may carry subtle chemical signals pointing to Parkinson's disease (PD) long before traditional symptoms appear. By analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in earwax and feeding that data into artificial‑intelligence systems, scientists have achieved detection accuracy as high as 94%. This promising approach could offer an easy, non‑invasive, and cost‑effective screening method. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Read on to know more. What does the study say? The new research, published in Analytical Chemistry , has found that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in earwax could carry chemical signals of the neurological disease. The work builds on earlier findings suggesting that Parkinson's subtly alters body odor, through changes in sebum, the oily substance that naturally moisturizes our hair and skin. The problem with trying to analyze sebum on the skin is that its exposure to air and the external environment makes it less reliable for clinical testing. Scientists led by a team from Zhejiang University wanted to take a look at earwax, which is better protected. The researchers took ear canal swabs from 209 study participants, 108 of whom had been given a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. By charting differences in earwax composition between people with and without Parkinson's, four VOCs stood out: ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane. As the researchers mentioned in their published paper, "Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for Parkinson's disease treatment," adding, "This study proposes a diagnostic model… that analyzes VOCs from ear canal secretions." According to the scientists, those VOCs can be altered by inflammation, cell stress, and neurodegeneration in the brain. With the right tests, the team hypothesized that subtle signals for Parkinson's could show up in the ears. These could potentially be used to identify Parkinson's in the future, acting as a foundation around which tests can be developed. First, though, this same analysis needs to be run on larger groups of people over longer periods of time. Earwax: An unexpected diagnostic window Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is more than just debris – it contains sebum, an oily secretion from skin glands, along with waxy fatty acids and dead skin cells. Sebum's chemical composition reflects our skin's metabolic activity. Earlier studies found that people with Parkinson's often emit a distinctive musky odor, traced back to sebum on their skin, caused by inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. Yet, skin-mounted sebum exposed to pollution and humidity can muddy chemical signals. Enter the ear canal – a more protected environment. Wax from the ear canal remains sheltered, making it a more stable source for detecting sebum-based chemical markers. The findings: Four key VOCs The team, led by Hao Dong and Danhua Zhu at Zhejiang University, collected earwax samples from 209 participants –108 diagnosed with Parkinson's and 101 healthy controls. Using advanced separation techniques (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and GC with surface acoustic wave sensors), they analyzed the chemical makeup of the samples. Out of hundreds of detected VOCs, four stood out – chemicals whose levels consistently differed in Parkinson's patients: Ethylbenzene 4‑Ethyltoluene Pentanal 2‑Pentadecyl‑1,3‑dioxolane Statistical analysis showed these chemicals were significantly altered in Parkinson's patients. These differences likely stem from underlying processes in Parkinson's: neurodegeneration, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in fat metabolism. Enter AI – with 94% accuracy Detecting these VOCs is only one part of the equation – interpreting them demands precision. The researchers built an Artificial Intelligence Olfactory (AIO) system using two methods: A support‑vector machine trained on GC‑MS data. A convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on GC‑SAW sensor data. The CNN-AIO achieved 94–94.4% accuracy in differentiating Parkinson's from non-Parkinson's samples, with an impressive receiver‑operating‑characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of ~0.98. This highlights the system's potential as a reliable early­-screening tool – fast, inexpensive, non‑invasive, and amenable to low-resource medical settings. As per the researchers, "The AIO-based analytical system underscores its potential for use in bedside medical diagnostic devices, aiding in earlier and more effective treatment for Parkinson's disease patients." The findings could also help the ongoing study to understand how Parkinson's gets started and how it might be stopped. Identified VOC changes could possibly be used as a chemical fingerprint, identifying other changes happening because of – or perhaps leading to – the disease. Why early detection matters: Currently, Parkinson's is diagnosed based on motor symptoms – tremors, muscle rigidity, slowed movement – when significant neurological damage has already occurred. Conventional diagnostic methods, like brain imaging or dopamine transporter scans, are expensive, time-consuming, and not always precise Earlier detection through earwax offers three big benefits: Preventive timing: Intervene sooner to potentially slow disease progression and preserve quality of life. Accessibility: Ear swabs require minimal training and equipment, less costly than imaging. Consistency: Earwax sebum isn't easily contaminated, unlike skin sebum. An affordable, objective test could change the landscape for millions of people worldwide. What's ahead: The next steps? Wider trials across multiple centers and demographics to confirm whether this test is robust in varied populations and stages of Parkinson's, develop bedside protocols using rapid GC-SAW sensors and AI for real-time screening, and explore biological pathways linking VOC changes to cellular processes, which could illuminate PD's origins and potential therapeutic targets. Researchers Dr. Hao Dong and colleagues emphasize the need for multi-center trials, involving diverse ethnicities and disease stages, before real-world use. As per Dr. Dong, from the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, "The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers and among multiple ethnic groups, in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value. " Speech may be clue to early mental decline

Earwax could offer clues of early Parkinson's disease, new study suggests
Earwax could offer clues of early Parkinson's disease, new study suggests

New York Post

time6 days ago

  • Health
  • New York Post

Earwax could offer clues of early Parkinson's disease, new study suggests

Earwax may provide an unexpected early warning of Parkinson's disease (PD), according to new research. In particular, its odor could help clinicians detect the progressive neurological movement disorder, researchers noted in the study, which was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry. Parkinson's is usually diagnosed after an individual demonstrates symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movement), and gait changes, according to health experts. The study suggested that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — which are released by sebum (oily secretions that help lubricate and protect skin) in the ear wax of individuals with Parkinson's — have a certain distinctive smell. The odor is the result of systemic inflammation, neurodegeneration, and oxidative stress related to disease progression, as noted in the report from the American Chemical Society. 'There is evidence that patients with Parkinson's disease produce excess sebum, and other research groups have demonstrated that there are particular chemical profiles of this sebum compared to patients without PD,' Dr. Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, medical director of movement disorders, neuromodulation and brain circuit therapeutics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, told Fox News Digital. (Jimenez-Shahed was not affiliated with the study.) 3 Earwax may provide an unexpected early warning of Parkinson's disease (PD), according to new research. Peakstock – In this recent study, researchers in China analyzed wax swabs from the ear canals of 209 participants, 108 of whom had been diagnosed with Parkinson's. Using specialized methods to analyze chemicals in the wax, the investigators found that four of the VOCs in people with the disease were significantly different from those who had not been diagnosed, the study detailed. They concluded that four VOCs — ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane — may serve as potential biomarkers for PD. The researchers used the collected earwax data to train an artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO) system, technology that uses sensors to simulate the human sense of smell to detect and analyze VOCs. According to the report, the AIO system showed 94% accuracy with earwax samples from people with and without Parkinson's. The study authors suggested that the AIO system could eventually be used as a first-line screening tool for early Parkinson's detection, allowing for earlier treatment of the disease. Most current treatments only manage symptoms and help maintain quality of life, but don't stop or reverse the disease, which makes early diagnosis and treatment vital, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The report also noted that current tests for Parkinson's — such as imaging studies and clinical rating scales — can be costly and subjective. This potential detection system could provide an easy and inexpensive way to test for the disease, although experts pointed out that more testing is needed. Limitations and future research The study was performed on a small scale in a single clinic in China, according to Hao Dong, one of the study authors at the Research Center for Frontier Fundamental Studies in China. 3 The study suggested that volatile organic compounds — which are released by sebum in the earwax of individuals with Parkinson's — have a certain distinctive smell. jaojormami – 'The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers and among multiple ethnic groups, in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value,' Dong said in a news release. Jimenez-Shahed noted that ideally, this new method could serve as an early diagnostic test, potentially easier than using spinal fluid, skin biopsies, or specialized scans. The above expert, who is also an associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, cautioned that the particular profiles of ear wax VOCs reported in the recent study may differ from findings from other studies. 'There needs to be replication and/or expansion of sample size before determining the specific diagnostic potential of a test like this,' he added. 3 Parkinson's is usually diagnosed after an individual demonstrates symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, slowed movement, and gait changes, according to health experts. highwaystarz – Those who are concerned about potential Parkinson's risk should consult with a neurologist or movement disorder specialist, Jimenez-Shahed advised. A specialist can carefully screen the individual for early warning signs and determine the need for further diagnostic testing or treatment. The study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of Science, Pioneer and Leading Goose R&D Program of Zhejiang Province, and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities. Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for further comment.

The strange sign in your EARWAX that can predict if you'll develop devastating brain disorder
The strange sign in your EARWAX that can predict if you'll develop devastating brain disorder

The Sun

time20-06-2025

  • Health
  • The Sun

The strange sign in your EARWAX that can predict if you'll develop devastating brain disorder

Eliza Loukou, Health Reporter Published: Invalid Date, YOUR earwax could be used to predict whether you'll develop Parkinson's, scientists say, About 153,000 people in the UK live with the devastating neurological disorder, caused by a loss of nerve cells in the brain. The progressive disease is characterised by symptoms such as tremors, slow movement and muscle stiffness, which slowly get worse. According to researchers Zhejiang University in China, most Parkinson's treatments only slow the disease's progression, so early diagnosis is important for managing symptoms. But current tests for spotting the disease - such as brain scans or rating scales - can be expensive or subjective, they said. Now, a study published to Analytical Chemistry suggests that earwax could be used as a cost effective way to screen people for Parkinson's. Researchers claimed they'd developed a new AI system that could help catch the disease at an early stage, using earwax samples. Previous studies have shown that changes in sebum - an oily substance secreted by the skin - could help identify people with Parkinson's. Sebum from people with the disease may have a characteristic, musky smell because volatile organic compounds released by sebum are altered by disease progression. But sebum on the surface of the skin isn't a reliable substance for testing as it's exposed to pollution or humidity, which can change its composition. However, sebum in ear canals is sheltered from the elements. Seeing as the oily substance is the main component of earwax and it's easy to sample, researchers decided to use it for their screening tool. Good Morning Britain star reveals Parkinson's diagnosis after tragic death of his wife To identify the compounds released by sebum in people with Parkinson's, the researchers swabbed the ear canals of 209 participants, more than half of which were diagnosed with the condition. They then analysed wax samples, identifying four volatile organic compounds specific to people with Parkinson's. Those include ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane. Researchers said these could serve as potential biomarkers for Parkinson's. Using these findings, they were able to develop a system that inexpensively screens for Parkinson's. Everything you need to know about Parkinson's Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, meaning that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK. People with Parkinson's don't have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working. This can cause a range of more than 40 symptoms, but the three main ones are: Tremor (shaking) Slow movement Rigidity (muscle stiffness) Other common signs include: Mild memory and thinking problems Trouble sleeping Issues with balance Pain Anxiety and depression Shuffling walk with very small steps Difficulty making facial expressions Loss of sense of smell Problems peeing Constipation The four main ways of managing Parkinson's include medication, staying active, exploring occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech and language therapy, and monitoring symptoms. They trained an artificial intelligence olfactory system - a robotic model that can mimic how we smell - with their ear wax compound data. They found it was able to categorise samples with and without Parkinson's with 94 percent accuracy. Researchers suggested their system could be used to a first-line screening tool for early Parkinson's detection and could help improve care for condition by making it possible to administer treatments earlier. Author Hao Dong said: 'This method is a small-scale single-center experiment in China." 2 'The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centres and among multiple ethnic groups, in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value.' Earlier this year, scientists warned of a surge in cases of Parkinson's. They said 25 million people across the world will be living with the debilitating brain condition by 2050.

How your ear wax could tell you if you have Parkinson's disease, according to experts
How your ear wax could tell you if you have Parkinson's disease, according to experts

Yahoo

time19-06-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

How your ear wax could tell you if you have Parkinson's disease, according to experts

Could your ear wax tell you if you have Parkinson's disease? Some 90,000 people are diagnosed with the degenerative neurological condition in the U.S. each year, and annual deaths have surged in recent decades to tens of thousands. Now, researchers at the American Chemical Society claim they have developed a new system that could help catch the disease at an early stage. The identifier is in the odor of ear wax's main ingredient, known as sebum. The oily substance is produced by the body to lubricate and protect the skin. Sebum from people with Parkinson's may have a characteristic and musky smell because the volatile organic compounds released by sebum are altered by disease progression. This association has been identified in previous research. To identify the compounds released by sebum in people with the disease, the researchers swabbed the ear canals of 209 participants, more than half of which were diagnosed with the condition. Then, they analyzed what was collected using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. Four of the volatile organic compounds they found in people with Parkinson's were different than people without it. Those include ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane. The researchers said they are potential biomarkers for Parkinson's. Using these findings, published this week in the journal Analytical Chemistry, they were able to develop a system that inexpensively screens for Parkinson's. They trained an artificial intelligence olfactory system - a robotic model that can mimic how we smell - with their ear wax compound data. Using the model, they found it was able to categorize samples with and without Parkinson's with 94 percent accuracy. Some 1.1 million Americans are living with Parkinson's right now. Because most treatments for Parkinson's only slow the progression of disease, catching it early is critical. Current testing is also costly, and can be subjective. This AI system, the researchers say, could be used as a first-line screening tool for early detection. 'This method is a small-scale single-center experiment in China,' explained author Hao Dong. 'The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers and among multiple ethnic groups, in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value.'

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