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Biomarkers of Parkinson's disease in perspective of early diagnosis and translation of neurotrophic therapies
  • Juho-Matti Renko,
  • Raimo Tuominen
Juho-Matti Renko
Helsingin yliopisto Laaketutkimusohjelma

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Raimo Tuominen
Helsingin yliopisto Laaketutkimusohjelma
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Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopamine neurons and aberrant deposits of alpha-synuclein (a-syn) in the brain. The symptomatic treatment is started after the onset of motor manifestations in a late stage of the disease. Preclinical studies show promising results of disease-modifying neuroprotective or even neurorestorative therapies with neurotrophic factors (NTFs). Three NTFs have entered phase I-II clinical trials with inconclusive outcomes. This is not surprising since the preclinical evidence is from acute early-stage disease models but the clinical trials included advanced PD patients. In order to conclude the value of NTF therapies, clinical studies should be performed in early-stage patients with prodromal symptoms, i.e. before motor manifestations. In this review, we summarize currently available diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that could help identify at-risk patients benefiting from NTF therapies. Focus is on biochemical and imaging biomarkers, but also other modalities are discussed. Neuroimaging is the most important diagnostic tool today, but a-syn imaging is not yet viable. Modern techniques allow measuring various forms of a-syn in cerebrospinal fluid, blood, saliva and skin. Digital biomarkers and artificial intelligence offer new means for early diagnosis and longitudinal follow-up of degenerative brain diseases.
30 Oct 2023Submitted to Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
30 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
30 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
30 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
15 Apr 20241st Revision Received
15 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
15 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed