Apolipoprotein E controls the risk and age at onset of Parkinson disease.

BACKGROUND: Similarities between Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD) suggest a possible role for apolipoprotein E (APOE) in PD. Most previous studies seeking to establish such a link used case-control datasets and results have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: To investigate APOE's role in PD using family-based association analyses. METHODS: APOE functional polymorphisms were genotyped for 658 PD affected families, including 282 multiplex and 376 singleton families. The pedigree disequilibrium test (PDT) and the genotype-PDT were used to test the risk effect of APOE. The Monks-Kaplan test was used to evaluate the effect of APOE on age at onset of PD. RESULTS: APOE was significantly associated with risk of developing PD. Stratified analysis revealed that APOE was most strongly associated with families with a positive PD family history (global p = 0.003). Like AD, the APOE-4 allele increases disease risk while the APOE-3 allele decreases risk. We detected a positive association of APOE-3 (p = 0.019) and a negative association of APOE-4 (p = 0.015) with age at onset in PD. CONCLUSIONS: The APOE-4 allele increases risk and decreases age at onset of PD, an association that may not be dependent upon cognitive impairment.

Genetic polymorphisms of the N-acetyltransferase genes and risk of Parkinson's disease.

Recently, the authors demonstrated linkage in idiopathic PD to a region on chromosome 8p that contains the N-acetyltransferase genes, NAT1 and NAT2. The authors examined NAT1 and NAT2 for association with PD using family-based association methods and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The authors did not find evidence for association with increased risk for PD between any individual NAT1 or NAT2 SNP or acetylation haplotype (N = 397 families, 1,580 individuals).

Complete genomic screen in Parkinson disease: evidence for multiple genes.

CONTEXT: The relative contribution of genes vs environment in idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) is controversial. Although genetic studies have identified 2 genes in which mutations cause rare single-gene variants of PD and observational studies have suggested a genetic component, twin studies have suggested that little genetic contribution exists in the common forms of PD. OBJECTIVE: To identify genetic risk factors for idiopathic PD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Genetic linkage study conducted 1995-2000 in which a complete genomic screen (n = 344 markers) was performed in 174 families with multiple individuals diagnosed as having idiopathic PD, identified through probands in 13 clinic populations in the continental United States and Australia. A total of 870 family members were studied: 378 diagnosed as having PD, 379 unaffected by PD, and 113 with unclear status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Logarithm of odds (lod) scores generated from parametric and nonparametric genetic linkage analysis. RESULTS: Two-point parametric maximum parametric lod score (MLOD) and multipoint nonparametric lod score (LOD) linkage analysis detected significant evidence for linkage to 5 distinct chromosomal regions: chromosome 6 in the parkin gene (MLOD = 5.07; LOD = 5.47) in families with at least 1 individual with PD onset at younger than 40 years, chromosomes 17q (MLOD = 2.28; LOD = 2.62), 8p (MLOD = 2.01; LOD = 2.22), and 5q (MLOD = 2.39; LOD = 1.50) overall and in families with late-onset PD, and chromosome 9q (MLOD = 1.52; LOD = 2.59) in families with both levodopa-responsive and levodopa-nonresponsive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the parkin gene is important in early-onset PD and that multiple genetic factors may be important in the development of idiopathic late-onset PD.

Association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the tau gene with late-onset Parkinson disease.

CONTEXT: The human tau gene, which promotes assembly of neuronal microtubules, has been associated with several rare neurologic diseases that clinically include parkinsonian features. We recently observed linkage in idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) to a region on chromosome 17q21 that contains the tau gene. These factors make tau a good candidate for investigation as a susceptibility gene for idiopathic PD, the most common form of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the tau gene is involved in idiopathic PD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Among a sample of 1056 individuals from 235 families selected from 13 clinical centers in the United States and Australia and from a family ascertainment core center, we tested 5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the tau gene for association with PD, using family-based tests of association. Both affected (n = 426) and unaffected (n = 579) family members were included; 51 individuals had unclear PD status. Analyses were conducted to test individual SNPs and SNP haplotypes within the tau gene. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Family-based tests of association, calculated using asymptotic distributions. RESULTS: Analysis of association between the SNPs and PD yielded significant evidence of association for 3 of the 5 SNPs tested: SNP 3, P =.03; SNP 9i, P =.04; and SNP 11, P =.04. The 2 other SNPs did not show evidence of significant association (SNP 9ii, P =.11, and SNP 9iii, P =.87). Strong evidence of association was found with haplotype analysis, with a positive association with one haplotype (P =.009) and a negative association with another haplotype (P =.007). Substantial linkage disequilibrium (P<.001) was detected between 4 of the 5 SNPs (SNPs 3, 9i, 9ii, and 11). CONCLUSIONS: This integrated approach of genetic linkage and positional association analyses implicates tau as a susceptibility gene for idiopathic PD.

Asymptomatic autonomic and sweat dysfunction in patients with Adie's syndrome.

A study was conducted to determine by using noninvasive tests whether autonomic dysfunction occurs in patients with Adie's syndrome. Eighteen consecutive patients with Aide's syndrome prospectively underwent a standardized battery of five noninvasive tests of autonomic function, including three that predominantly reflected parasympathetic function and two that predominantly reflected sympathetic function. Eight of these patients additionally underwent thermoregulatory sweat testing. Of the 18 patients 10 (56%) had no abnormal autonomic test results, 5 (28%) had one abnormal result, 2 (11%) had two abnormal results, and 1 (6%) had three abnormal results. None of the patients had more than three abnormal results. Tests that predominantly reflected parasympathetic function produced abnormal results more frequently than those that predominantly reflected sympathetic function. Three of eight (38%) patients who underwent thermoregulatory sweat testing showed abnormal patterns of sweating. Although abnormal autonomic and sweat functions are not uncommon in patients with Aide's syndrome, the abnormalities are mild and are generally unassociated with symptoms of dysautonomia. Such abnormalities have little clinical significance but may be important from a nosologic point of view.

Lack of overlap in genetic risks for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

We explored the question of genetic overlap between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) because evidence suggests clinical, pathologic, and epidemiologic overlap between the two disorders. We compared the frequency of AD and PD between the first-degree relatives of probands with AD and PD and first-degree relatives of spouse control subjects. Using life-table methods, we found increased risk of AD in first-degree relatives of patients with AD and an increased risk of PD in first-degree relatives of patients with PD. The risk of PD in first-degree relatives of patients with AD was not increased, nor was the risk of AD in first-degree relatives of patients with PD increased. These data do not support the hypothesis that important genetic overlap exists between AD and PD.

Multicenter, placebo-controlled trial of cabergoline taken once daily in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Cabergoline is a dopaminergic agonist relatively specific for the D2 receptor and much longer-acting than other dopamine agonists. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of cabergoline in 188 levodopa/carbidopa-treated patients with suboptimally controlled Parkinson's disease (PD). The cabergoline patients had significantly better Activities of Daily Living (p = 0.032) and Motor Examination (p = 0.031) scores at the conclusion of the trial compared with the placebo group. The daily levodopa dose for the cabergoline patients decreased 18% compared with a 3% reduction for the placebo group (p < 0.001). The amount of time in the "on" state increased more in the cabergoline group (p = 0.022). The side-effect was similar to that seen with other dopamine agonists, and cabergoline was generally well tolerated. We conclude that cabergoline is an effective adjunct to levodopa for the treatment of PD.

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with midodrine.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of midodrine for treatment of patients with orthostatic hypotension due to autonomic failure. PATIENTS: Ninety-seven patients with orthostatic hypotension were randomized in a 4-week, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with a 1-week placebo run-in period. Patients ranged in age from 22 to 86 years (mean: 61 years). METHODS: After a 1-week run-in phase, either placebo or midodrine at a dose of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg was administered three times a day for 4 weeks. Both the placebo group and the 2.5-mg midodrine group received constant doses throughout the double-blind phase. The patients receiving 5 mg or 10 mg of midodrine were given doses that were increased at weekly intervals by 2.5-mg increments until the designated dose was reached. Efficacy evaluations were based on an improvement at 1-hour postdose in standing systolic blood pressure and in symptoms of orthostatic hypotension (syncope, dizziness/lightheadedness, weakness/fatigue, and low energy level). RESULTS: Midodrine (10 mg) increased standing systolic blood pressure by 22 mm Hg (28%, p < 0.001 versus placebo). Midodrine improved (p < 0.05) the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension compared to placebo: dizziness/lightheadedness, weakness/fatigue, syncope, low energy level, impaired ability to stand, and feelings of depression. The overall side effects were mainly mild to moderate. One or more side effects were reported by 22% of the placebo group compared with 27% of the midodrine-treated group. Scalp pruritus/tingling, which was reported by 10 of 74 (13.5%) of the midodrine-treated patients, was most frequent. Other reported side effects included supine hypertension (8%) and feelings of urinary urgency (4%). CONCLUSION: We conclude that midodrine is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for moderate-to-severe orthostatic hypotension associated with autonomic failure.

Buspirone, 8-OH-DPAT and ipsapirone: effects on hippocampal cerebellar and sciatic fiber excitability.

The effects of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), and the novel anxiolytics buspirone, 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-[N,N-dipropylamino]-tetralin) and ipsapirone (TVXQ 7821, 2-[4-[4-[2-pyrimidinyl]-1-piperazinyl] butyl]-1,2-benzisothiazol-3[2H]one-1,1-dioxide-hydrochloride) on fiber excitability were studied in three axon systems; hippocampal Schaffer collateral fibers, cerebellar parallel fibers, and sciatic nerves. In the hippocampus, application of buspirone, 8-OH-DPAT and ipsapirone resulted in reversible, dose-dependent reductions in the amplitude and conduction velocity of action potentials recorded from presynaptic afferent fibers. Although these agents bind to 5-HT1A receptors, 5-HT application, even at very high (1 mM) concentrations, did not alter axonal responses. This suggests that buspirone, 8-OH-DPAT and ipsapirone exert an action independent of a serotonergic mechanism. Similar effects were observed on the cerebellar parallel fibers although the cerebellum does not have an appreciable number of 5-HT1A receptors. To examine the generalized effects of these agents on nerve excitability, rat sciatic compound action potentials were studied with sucrose gap recordings. Whereas 5-HT, 8-OH-DPAT and ipsapirone had no effects even at high concentrations (1 mM), application of buspirone led to reversible decrement of the responses without appreciable change in membrane potential. These results indicate that buspirone, 8-OH-DPAT and ipsapirone have actions on the excitability of hippocampal and cerebellar neurons independent of serotonergic mechanisms. Moreover, buspirone, but not 8-OH-DPAT or ipsapirone, produces decreased sciatic nerve excitability. NS 20393

Antimigraine drug interactions with 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors.

The interactions of four antimigraine drugs with 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and beta-adrenergic receptors were analyzed in rat brain membranes. Methysergide, cyproheptadine, (-)propranolol, and pizotifen display similar affinities (IC50 values, 83 to 280 nM) for 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors labeled by [3H]8-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin. Cyproheptadine, pizotifen, and methysergide are essentially inactive at beta-adrenergic receptors labeled by [3H]dihydroalprenolol (IC50 values, 8,700 to 87,000 nM). By contrast, (-)propranolol is an extremely potent beta-adrenergic agent (IC50, 3 nM). These data indicate that the 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptor is a common site of action for (-)propranolol and other antimigraine agents.