Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
09:27
Sequential Extraction of Soluble and Insoluble Alpha-Synuclein from Parkinsonian Brains
Published on: January 5, 2016
Gender differences in Parkinson's disease: focus on plasma α-synuclein
Giovanni Caranci1, Paola Piscopo, Roberto Rivabene
1Department of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed Institute, Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|January 19, 2013
Summary
Plasma alpha-synuclein levels differ by gender in Parkinson's disease (PD). In men, levels decrease with disease progression and correlate with symptoms, suggesting a potential gender-specific biomarker for PD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Plasma alpha-synuclein is a potential biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD) and Lewy body disorders.
- Previous studies show conflicting results due to varied assay techniques and protein forms.
- Standardization of assays is crucial for reliable biomarker development.
Observation:
- This observational, cross-sectional study analyzed total plasma alpha-synuclein in 69 PD patients and 110 controls.
- An immunoenzymatic technique was employed for plasma alpha-synuclein concentration measurement.
- The study explored gender-specific differences in plasma alpha-synuclein levels and their correlations.
Findings:
- Plasma alpha-synuclein concentrations decreased in men with advanced Parkinson's disease, but not in women.
- In men, plasma alpha-synuclein levels were associated with cognitive impairments, hallucinations, and sleep disorders.
- These results highlight significant gender-related differences in Parkinson's disease progression and symptomatology.
Implications:
- Plasma alpha-synuclein may serve as a gender-specific biomarker for monitoring Parkinson's disease progression, particularly in men.
- Understanding gender differences is vital for developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for PD.
- Further research is needed to validate these findings and standardize alpha-synuclein assays.
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