Kynurenine and Beta-Alanine Serum Levels are Associated with the Expression of Wnt Pathway Genes in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. Despite its worldwide prevalence, there is currently no clear explanation for the mechanism of this disease. In addition, the lack of reliable and accurate biomarkers makes the early detection of PD difficult. Therefore, we examined serum beta-alanine and kynurenine levels and expression of Wnt pathway genes in leukocytes from patients with PD.

METHODS

Ninety patients, 45 with PD and 45 healthy subjects, were enrolled in this study. Ten milliliters of blood were drawn from all participants. Serum levels of beta-alanine and kynurenine were measured by ELISA, and the expression of Wnt pathway genes in leukocytes was determined by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Serum levels of kynurenine and beta-alanine were higher in PD patients than in the control group. Data analysis also showed that the expression of some Wnt pathway genes was decreased in leukocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation between serum levels of beta-alanine and kynurenine and the expression of the gene that encodes the Wnt signaling pathway in leukocytes was found in patients with PD. As a result, these biomarkers can be utilized for the early detection, monitoring, and treatment of patients with PD.