A2A adenosine receptors and Parkinson's disease severity. (30th August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Casetta, I.; Vincenzi, F.; Bencivelli, D.; Corciulo, C.; Gentile, M.; Granieri, E.; Borea, P.A.; Varani, K.
• Is Part Of: Acta neurologica Scandinavica. Volume 129:Number 4(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 281
• Publication Date: 2013-08-30
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ane.12181
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6314

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ane12181-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ane12181-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>In the last decade, increasing evidence suggests a key role of adenosine in Parkinson's disease (PD) and A<sub>2A</sub> adenosine receptors (A<sub>2A</sub>ARs) as an important pharmacological target in PD. An overexpression of A<sub>2A</sub>ARs has been found in putamen and in peripheral blood cells of PD patients. The primary aim of this study was to verify whether the alterations in A<sub>2A</sub>ARs in lymphocytes of PD subjects correlate with disease severity.</p> </sec> <sec id="ane12181-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Material and methods</title> <p>A consecutive sample of PD patients was enrolled. A clinical examination and a face‐to‐face interview were carried out. A<sub>2A</sub>ARs were investigated to verify the affinity and receptor density in lymphocyte membranes. The data were compared with those found in healthy controls. Moreover, the correlation between A<sub>2A</sub>AR density and affinity and clinical variables was evaluated in PD patients.</p> </sec> <sec id="ane12181-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>In human lymphocyte membranes from PD patients, an increase in A<sub>2A</sub>AR density and a decrease in A<sub>2A</sub>AR affinity were found if compared with healthy subjects. A statistically significant correlation between the A<sub>2A</sub>AR density or affinity and specific clinical parameters as motor and cognitive impairment was detected. Patients with higher A<sub>2A</sub>AR density and lower affinity were more likely to exhibit motor complications.</p> </sec> <sec id="ane12181-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Parkinson's disease patients show an A<sub>2A</sub>AR upregulation in lymphocyte membranes if compared with healthy subjects. The correlation found between A<sub>2A</sub>AR density or affinity and clinical parameters highlights the central role of A<sub>2A</sub>AR modulation in the pharmacological treatment for PD and could suggest the putative role of A<sub>2A</sub>AR as a candidate biomarker of PD severity.</p> </sec> </abstract>