Homocysteine in relation to cognitive performance in pathological and non-pathological conditions

2005 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte E. Teunissen ◽  
Martin P. J. van Boxtel ◽  
Jellemer Jolles ◽  
Jan de Vente ◽  
Fred Vreeling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Serum Homocysteine ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Total Homocysteine

AbstractElevated serum homocysteine has been associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, elevated homocysteine levels are related to cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. The aim of the present study was to explore the disease specificity of the relation between serum total homocysteine levels and cognitive function. For this, we summarize data from several studies on homocysteine levels in both normal and pathological conditions performed in our laboratories and evaluate possible mechanisms of effects of elevated homocysteine levels in the central nervous system. Total homocysteine levels were measured in serum of: 1) healthy aging individuals; 2) patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and patients with other cognitive disorders; and 3) patients with multiple sclerosis. Increased serum homocysteine concentration was related to worse cognitive performance over a 6-year period in the normal aging population (r=−0.36 to −0.14, p<0.01 for the Word learning tests; r=0.76, p<0.05 for the Stroop Colored Word test). Homocysteine was only increased in patients with Parkinson's disease on L-Dopa therapy (18.9 vs. 16.5μmol/L in healthy controls), and not in dementia patients. Homocysteine was elevated in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (15.0μmol/L, n=39, compared to 12.0 μmol/L in 45 controls) and correlated to both cognitive and motor function (r=−0.33 and −0.33, p<0.05, respectively). The relationship between homocysteine and cognitive function in non-pathological and pathological situations indicates that changes in its levels may play a role in cognitive functioning in a broad spectrum of conditions.

scholarly journals Elevated HDL Levels Linked to Poorer Cognitive Ability in Females With Parkinson’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan C. Bakeberg ◽  
Anastazja M. Gorecki ◽  
Jade E. Kenna ◽  
Alexa Jefferson ◽  
Michelle Byrnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related

IntroductionCholesterol levels have been associated with age-related cognitive decline, however, such an association has not been comprehensively explored in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). To address this uncertainty, the current cross-sectional study examined the cholesterol profile and cognitive performance in a cohort of PD patients.MethodsCognitive function was evaluated using two validated assessments (ACE-R and SCOPA-COG) in 182 people with PD from the Australian Parkinson’s Disease Registry. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and Triglyceride (TRG) levels were examined within this cohort. The influence of individual lipid subfractions on domain-specific cognitive performance was investigated using covariate-adjusted generalised linear models.ResultsFemales with PD exhibited significantly higher lipid subfraction levels (TC, HDL, and LDL) when compared to male counterparts. While accounting for covariates, HDL levels were strongly associated with poorer performance across multiple cognitive domains in females but not males. Conversely, TC and LDL levels were not associated with cognitive status in people with PD.ConclusionHigher serum HDL associates with poorer cognitive function in females with PD and presents a sex-specific biomarker for cognitive impairment in PD.

scholarly journals Analysis of serum levels of organochlorine pesticides and related factors in Parkinson’s disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaoqing Xu ◽  
Xiaodong Yang ◽  
Yiwei Qian ◽  
Dayong Wan ◽  
Fenghua Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Organochlorine Pesticides ◽  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Hamilton Depression Scale ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: There is evidence that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pesticides are a class of environmental toxins that are linked to increased risk of PD. However, few studies have investigated the interaction between specific pesticides and genetic variants related to PD in the Chinese population.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 19 serum levels of pesticides were measured. In addition, we also analyzed the interaction between specific pesticides and candidate genetic variants for PD. Finally, we investigated the mechanistic basis for the association between pesticides and increased risk of PD.Results: Serum levels of organochlorine pesticides including α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH, propanil, heptachlor, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p’-DDE) and o,p’-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (o,p’-DDT) were higher in PD patients than in controls. α-HCH and propanil levels were associated with increased PD risk. Serum levels of dieldrin were associated with Hamilton Depression Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores in PD patients. Interactions between high pesticide levels and polymorphisms in rs11931074 and rs16940758 (α-HCH or β-HCH interacted with TT genotype in rs11931074 and δ-HCH interacted with TT genotype in rs16940758) were associated with the risk of PD. In cell model, α-HCH and propanil increased the level of reactive oxygen species and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. Propanil but not α-HCH induced the aggregation of α-synuclein.Conclusions: Elevated serum levels of α-HCH and propanil are associated with increased risk of PD. Serum levels of dieldrin were associated with depression and cognitive function in PD patients. The interaction between genetic variants and pesticides also increased the risk of PD. Effects of genetic variants and pesticides on the risk of PD should be studied in more detail with a larger sample size to further understand the mechanisms involved.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study of Set Shifting Impairments and Falling in Individuals with and without Parkinson’s Disease

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Lucas McKay ◽  
Kimberly C. Lang ◽  
Lena H. Ting ◽  
Madeleine E. Hackney
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Freezing Of Gait ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Set Shifting ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractINTRODUCTION. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are at increased risk for falls, and exhibit deficits in executive function, including Set Shifting, which can be measured as the difference between parts B and A of the Trailmaking Test. METHODS. We conducted a cross-sectional study using baseline data of PD patients with and without freezing of gait (FOG) (n=69) and community-dwelling neurologically-normal older adults (NON-PD) (n=84) who had volunteered to participate in clinical rehabilitation research. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between Set Shifting, PD, and faller status, as determined by ≥1 self-reported falls in the previous 6 months, after adjusting for demographic and cognitive factors and clinical disease characteristics. RESULTS. Impaired Set Shifting was associated with previous falls after controlling for age, sex, overall cognitive function, PD, FOG, and PD disease duration (OR=1.29 [1.03-1.60]; P=0.02). In models controlling for age, sex, and overall cognitive function, PD was associated with increased fall prevalence among the study sample (OR=4.15 [95% CI 1.65-10.44], P<0.01) and FOG was associated with increased fall prevalence among the PD sample (OR=3.63 [1.22-10.80], P=0.02). Although the strongest associations between Set Shifting and falling were observed among PD without FOG (OR=2.11) compared to HOA (OR=1.14) and PD with FOG (OR=1.46) in a multivariate model that allowed for interaction between set shifting and PD status, there was insufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis of no interaction. CONCLUSIONS. Set Shifting is associated with previous falls in non-demented older adults with and without PD.HighlightsIndividuals with PD are at increased risk for falls, although causes are unclear.Impaired Set Shifting was associated with falls in older adults with and without PD.Associations were strongest among those with PD but without freezing of gait.

scholarly journals Does Quantitative Electroencephalography Refine Preoperative Cognitive Assessment in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Treated with Deep Brain Stimulation? A Follow-Up Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Christian Saleh ◽  
Antonia Meyer ◽  
Menorca Chaturvedi ◽  
Selina Beltrani ◽  
Ute Gschwandtner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Quantitative Electroencephalography ◽  
Cognitive Score ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Deep Brain

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with an increased risk of post-operative cognitive deterioration. Preoperative neuropsychological testing can be affected and limited by the patient’s collaboration in advanced disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) may be a useful complementary examination technique during preoperative assessment to predict cognitive changes in PD patients treated with DBS. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We compared the cognitive performance of 16 PD patients who underwent bilateral subthalamic nucleus DBS to the performance of 15 PD controls (matched for age, sex, and education) at baseline and at 24 months. Cognitive scores were calculated for all patients across 5 domains. A preoperative 256-channel resting EEG was recorded from each patient. We computed the global relative power spectra. Correlation and linear regression models were used to assess associations of preoperative EEG measures with post-operative cognitive scores. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Slow waves (relative delta and theta band power) were negatively correlated with post-operative cognitive performance, while faster waves (alpha 1) were strongly positively correlated with the same scores (the overall cognitive score, attention, and executive function). Linear models revealed an association of delta power with the overall cognitive score (<i>p</i> = 0.00409, adjusted <i>R</i><sup>2</sup> = 0.6341). Verbal fluency (VF) showed a significant decline after DBS surgery, which was correlated with qEEG measures. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> To analyse the side effects after DBS in PD patients, the most important parameter is verbal fluency capacity. In addition, correlation with EEG frequency bands might be useful to detect particularly vulnerable patients for cognitive impairment and be supportive in the selection process of patients considered for DBS.

scholarly journals Interaction Between Genetic Variants and Serum Levels of Organochlorine Pesticides Contributes to Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaoqing Xu ◽  
Xiaodong Yang ◽  
Yiwei Qian ◽  
Dayong Wan ◽  
Fenghua Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Organochlorine Pesticides ◽  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Hamilton Depression Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: There is evidence that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pesticides are a class of environmental toxins that are linked to increased risk of PD. However, few studies have investigated the interaction between specific pesticides and genetic variants related to PD in the Chinese population.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 19 serum levels of pesticides were measured. In addition, we also analyzed the interaction between specific pesticides and candidate genetic variants for PD. Finally, we investigated the mechanistic basis for the association between pesticides and increased risk of PD.Results: Serum levels of organochlorine pesticides including α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH, propanil, heptachlor, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p’-DDE) and o,p’-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (o,p’-DDT) were higher in PD patients than in controls. α-HCH and propanil levels were associated with increased PD risk. Serum levels of dieldrin were associated with Hamilton Depression Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores in PD patients. The interaction between rs11931074 in α-synuclein (SNCA) and α-HCH or β-HCH, respectively, as well as rs16940758 in the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene and δ-HCH were related to increased risk of PD. In addition, α-HCH and propanil enhanced the production of reactive oxygen species and decreased of mitochondrial membrane potential. Propanil but not α-HCH induced the aggregation of α-synuclein.Conclusions: Elevated serum levels of α-HCH and propanil are associated with increased risk of PD. Serum levels of dieldrin were associated with depression and cognitive function in PD patients. The interaction between genetic variants and pesticides also increased the risk of PD. Effects of genetic variants and pesticides on the risk of PD should be studied in more detail with a larger sample size to further understand the mechanisms involved.

scholarly journals Genetically Predicted Milk Intake and Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2893
Author(s):  
Zhizhong Zhang ◽  
Mengmeng Wang ◽  
Shuai Yuan ◽  
Susanna C. Larsson ◽  
Xinfeng Liu
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Milk Intake ◽  
Genetic Associations ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Milk intake has been associated with risk of neurodegenerative diseases in observational studies. Nevertheless, whether the association is causal remains unknown. We adopted Mendelian randomization design to evaluate the potential causal association between milk intake and common neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Genetic associations for neurodegenerative diseases were obtained from the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (n = 80,094), FinnGen consortium (n = 176,899), AD GWAS (n = 63,926), Web-Based Study of Parkinson’s Disease (n = 308,518), PDGene (n = 108,990), and ALS GWAS (n = 80,610). Lactase persistence variant rs4988235 (LCT-13910 C > T) was used as the instrumental variable for milk intake. Genetically predicted higher milk intake was associated with a decreased risk of MS and AD and with an increased risk of PD. For each additional milk intake increasing allele, the odds ratios were 0.94 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.91–0.97; p = 1.51 × 10−4) for MS, 0.97 (0.94–0.99; p = 0.019) for AD and 1.09 (95%CI: 1.06–1.12, p = 9.30 × 10−9) for PD. Genetically predicted milk intake was not associated with ALS (odds ratio: 0.97, 95%CI: 0.94–1.01, p = 0.135). Our results suggest that genetically predicted milk intake is associated with a decreased risk of MS and AD but with an increased risk of PD. Further investigations are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals Elevated Serum Homocysteine Levels Have Differential Gender-Specific Associations with Motor and Cognitive States in Parkinson’s Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan C. Bakeberg ◽  
Alexa Jefferson ◽  
Maddeson Riley ◽  
Michelle Byrnes ◽  
Soumya Ghosh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Serum Homocysteine ◽  
Symptom Progression ◽  
Gender Specific

Background. Studies attempting to elucidate an association between homocysteine and symptom progression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have had largely discrepant findings. This study aimed to investigate elevated serum homocysteine levels and symptom progression in a cohort of PD patients. Methods. Serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels were measured in 205 people with PD and 78 age-matched healthy controls. People with Parkinson’s disease underwent a battery of clinical assessments to evaluate symptom severity, including motor (MDS-UPDRS) and cognitive (ACE-R) assessments. Multivariate generalised linear models were created, controlling for confounding variables, and were used to determine whether serum markers are associated with various symptom outcome measures. Results. People with Parkinson’s disease displayed significantly elevated homocysteine levels (p<0.001), but not folate or vitamin B12 levels, when compared to healthy controls. A significant positive correlation between homocysteine and MDS-UPDRS III score was identified in males with Parkinson’s disease (rs = 0.319, p<0.001), but not in females, whereas a significant negative correlation between homocysteine levels and total ACE-R score was observed in females with Parkinson’s disease (rs = −0.449, p<0.001), but not in males. Multivariate general linear models confirmed that homocysteine was significantly predictive of MDS-UPDRS III score in male patients (p=0.004) and predictive of total ACE-R score in female patients (p=0.021). Conclusion. Elevated serum homocysteine levels are associated with a greater motor impairment in males with Parkinson’s disease and poorer cognitive performance in females with Parkinson’s disease. Our gender-specific findings may help to explain previous discrepancies in the literature surrounding the utility of homocysteine as a biomarker in PD.

scholarly journals Analysis of serum levels of organochlorine pesticides and related factors in Parkinson’s disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaoqing Xu ◽  
Xiaodong Yang ◽  
Yiwei Qian ◽  
Dayong Wan ◽  
Fenghua Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Organochlorine Pesticides ◽  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Hamilton Depression Scale ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: There is evidence that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pesticides are a class of environmental toxins that are linked to increased risk of PD. However, few studies have investigated the interaction between specific pesticides and genetic variants related to PD in the Chinese population.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 19 serum levels of pesticides were measured. In addition, we also analyzed the interaction between specific pesticides and candidate genetic variants for PD. Finally, we investigated the mechanistic basis for the association between pesticides and increased risk of PD.Results: Serum levels of organochlorine pesticides including α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH, propanil, heptachlor, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p’-DDE) and o,p’-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (o,p’-DDT) were higher in PD patients than in controls. α-HCH and propanil levels were associated with increased PD risk. Serum levels of dieldrin were associated with Hamilton Depression Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores in PD patients. Interactions between high pesticide levels and polymorphisms in rs11931074 and rs16940758 (α-HCH or β-HCH interacted with TT genotype in rs11931074 and δ-HCH interacted with TT genotype in rs16940758) were associated with the risk of PD. In cell model, α-HCH and propanil increased the level of reactive oxygen species and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. Propanil but not α-HCH induced the aggregation of α-synuclein.Conclusions: Elevated serum levels of α-HCH and propanil are associated with increased risk of PD. Serum levels of dieldrin were associated with depression and cognitive function in PD patients. The interaction between genetic variants and pesticides also increased the risk of PD. Effects of genetic variants and pesticides on the risk of PD should be studied in more detail with a larger sample size to further understand the mechanisms involved.

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