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Generalized mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy of muscle
Objective:
To explore mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of resting muscle.
Design:
Case-control study (28 PD patients and 28 normal controls) determining resting forearm inorganic phosphate/phosphocreatine (Pi/PCr) ratio.
Results:
Significant difference (p = 0.004, one-tailed test) in Pi/PCr ratio between PD patients (0.122) and controls (0.104). No correlation of Pi/PCr ratio with duration, severity, or speed of onset of disease. Positive correlation of Pi/PCr ratio with age in control group; reversed in PD group.
Conclusions:
Suggests small generalized mitochondrial defect in PD. The possibility that earlier onset of disease is associated with more severe mitochondrial dysfunction needs further study.