If you’ve ever experienced itchy eyes, coughing, or a scratchy throat near the beach during a red tide bloom, you’re not alone. These symptoms are caused by tiny marine algae called Karenia brevis, which release airborne toxins known as brevetoxins (PbTx). While most people recover quickly, some may experience issues like headaches, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, or memory problems.
Our research explores whether a common genetic factor—the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele—makes certain individuals more vulnerable to these effects.
What Is a Gene, and Why Does It Matter?
A gene is like an instruction manual for your body. It carries the information that determines things like your eye color, how your cells function, and even how your brain responds to different factors. Genes are passed down from your parents, and small differences in them can make people more or less vulnerable to certain health conditions.
In this study, we looked at a specific gene called APOE, which comes in different forms. One form, called APOE ε4, has been linked to a higher risk of memory problems and worse brain health after exposure to certain environmental toxins, including air pollution. Understanding these genetic differences can help scientists figure out why some people are more affected by these exposures than others.
What Did We Study?
We developed a new way to estimate airborne brevetoxin exposure, we called this method as Surrogate Brevetoxin Exposure (SBEair) index. We then collected health information and APOE gene data from 244 residents of Southwest Florida to see how their symptoms aligned with red tide events.
What Did We Find?
People with the ε4 genetic variation were more likely to report memory problems and fatigue during red tide blooms than those without it. This pattern remained even when we accounted for other conditions like dementia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Why Does This Matter?
These findings suggest that genetics may play a role in how brevetoxins affect brain function. Similar risks have been observed with airborne pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5), wildfire smoke, and industrial toxins, which have also been linked to worse neurological effects in ε4 carriers. Understanding these risks can help us develop better public health strategies to protect those who are more vulnerable to harmful algal blooms and other environmental exposures.
ABOUT THE ROSKAMP INSTITUTE
The Roskamp Institute is a premier neuroscience research facility located in Sarasota, Florida, working on Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and the effects of environmental toxins. The Institute is committed to advancing scientific discovery and improving public health through innovative research and treatment strategies.
The work is funded through awards from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and private donations to the Roskamp Institute.
For more information about this study please call (941) 256-8010. Our team is available to answer your questions.