Numerous recent findings indicate the involvement of a neuroinflammatory reaction in the neurodegeneration in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). We examined 29 consecutive patients with PD, ages 54-84 years, most of whom were moderately impaired (median UPDRS 19; Hoehn-Yahr 3; MMSE 28). A series of serum biomarkers were investigated, and their levels were correlated with the degree of the motor and cognitive impairment. There were no abnormalities of IL-6, acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, alpha 1-antitrypsin, orosomucoid, ceruloplasmin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, transferrin, prealbumin) and factors of the complement system (C1q, C1-INH, C3, C4). A decrease in Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) levels was observed in six patients; an elevation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was found in 12 patients. No statistically significant correlation was found between the patient's clinical state (neuropsychologic and motor, as expressed by UPDRS III, Hoehn-Yahr, and MMSE) and the immunomarker changes. Our results indicate that the inflammatory process may be reflected in the serum; nevertheless, further research is needed to elucidate the possible clinical implications.

1st Department of Neurology Masaryk University St Anne's University Hospital Pekarska 53 65691 Brno Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org

Comparison of inflammatory biomarker levels in neurodegenerative proteinopathies: a case-control study

The contribution of cerebrovascular risk factors, metabolic and inflammatory changes to cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease: preliminary observations

Interleukin 6 and complement serum level study in Parkinson's disease

Interleukin-6 May Contribute to Mortality in Parkinson's Disease Patients: A 4-Year Prospective Study