Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative human diseases, especially among
individuals above 65 years. The presence of
genetic factors influence on the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease has been indicated by recent studies and causal
genes have been already reported. Single nucleotide polymorphisms are single-base differences in DNA molecule nucleotide sequences. This kind of differences may be found among individuals in the population and are known to be very common. Therefore, they may be very useful in the study of
susceptibility genes for
diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. In this article the scientists describe their attempt to identify susceptibility genes for Parkinson’s disease and establish a medicine based on an individual's unique genetic profile to detect, treat, and prevent Parkinson’s disease. To undertake this study 232 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 249
healthy individuals were examined. Eighteen genes with potential involvement in Parkinson’s disease were selected to be studied. It has been found that
homozigosity for a polymorphism in BDNF gene is more frequent in Parkinson’s disease patients than in healthy individuals. It has also been found that homozigosity for another polymorphism in the gene UCH-L1 is less common in patients. Researchers found that susceptibility genes for Parkinson Disease may be linked with some regions of chromosome 1. Currently selection of anti-Parkinson’s disease drugs and how to prescribe them still rely on clinician’s experience. However, a future where drugs used and the optimal dose will be adjusted according to each individual genetic characteristics approaches.
More abstracts about the Parkinson’S Disease Susceptibility