Cytokine profiles of plasma extracellular vesicles as progression biomarkers in Parkinson's disease.

Research overview

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BackgroundInflammation contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Plasma extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived cytokines are emerging biomarkers of inflammation. We conducted a longitudinal study of the plasma EV-derived cytokine profiles of people with PD (PwP).MethodsA total of 101 people with mild to moderate PD and 45 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited, and they completed motor assessments (Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]) and cognitive tests at baseline and 1-year follow-up. We isolated the participants' plasma EVs and analyzed their levels of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β.ResultsWe noted no significant changes in the plasma EV-derived cytokine profiles of the PwPs and HCs between baseline and the 1-year follow-up. Among the PwP, changes in plasma EV-derived IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly associated with changes in the severity of postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) and cognition. Baseline plasma EV-derived IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were significantly associated with the severity of PIGD and cognitive symptoms at follow-up, and PwP with elevated IL-1β and IL-6 levels exhibited significant progression of PIGD over the study period.ConclusionThese results suggested the role of inflammation in PD progression. In addition, baseline levels of plasma EV-derived proinflammatory cytokines can be used to predict the progression of PIGD, the most severe motor symptom of PD. Additional studies with longer follow-up periods are necessary, and plasma EV-derived cytokines may serve as effective biomarkers of PD progression.

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