Evidence from epidemiological studies suggest a relationship between cigarette smoking and low risk of Parkinson
disease (PD). As a major component of tobacco smoke, nicotine has been proposed to be a substance for preventing
against PD risk, with a key role in regulating striatal activity and behaviors mediated through the dopaminergic system.
Animal studies also showed that nicotine could modulate dopamine transmission and reduce levodopa-induced
dyskinesias. However, previous clinical trials yield controversial results regarding nicotine treatment. In this review, we
updated epidemiological, preclinical and clinical data, and studies on nicotine from diet. We also reviewed interactions
between genetic factors and cigarette smoking. As a small amount of nicotine can saturate a substantial portion of
nicotine receptors in the brain, nicotine from other sources, such as diet, could be a promising therapeutic substance
for protection against PD.

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• Nicotine from cigarette smoking and diet and Parkinson disease: a review