J13 The Role Of Natural Products On Huntington Disease: A Sri Lankan Perspective. (17th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Silva, R; Gonawala, L; Gamage, R; Gunasekara, H; Sirisena, D; Suriyakumara, V; Karunarathne, R; Faruq, M
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 85(2014)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A69
• Page End: A69
• Publication Date: 2014-09-17
• Subjects: Huntington Disease -- Natural products -- Tea -- Sri Lanka; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309032.196
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The prevalence of Huntington Disease (HD) in Europeans are 10 times higher than Asian populations. The domestic per capita tea consumption is higher in Sri Lanka compared to the West. We hypothesise that, the frequency of natural product consumption and environmental factors that are unique to this part of the world may contribute to the disparity in phenoconversion in HD. Method: Sociodemographic data, dietary history, clinical and genotyping of CAG repeats followed by a detailed haplotype analysis was performed in HD patients and controls. Results: Pilot data of HD 16 patients: [Adult onset n = 14 (85%), Juvenile onset n = 2 (15%), Male n = 9(56%), Female n = 7(44%)], age of onset: 16–60yrs (mean = 42.9 ± 14.1). The CAG repeats on normal alleles (n = 11) range: 16–22 (mean =18.3 ± 2), abnormal allele (n = 11) range: 41–66 (mean = 46 ± 7). A significant inverse correlation exists between the age of onset and CAG repeat length (r = 0.897, p < 0.001). The tea consumption and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were; tea consumption ≥3 cups/day n = 4, 2 (50%) scored ≥23, the other 2 patients scored 20 and 16 (mean = 21.2 ± 4); 2 cups/day n = 6, 4 (67%) scored ≥ 20 the other 2 patients scored 18 and 17 (mean = 20.8 ± 3); 1 cup/day n = 1 scored 18. Discussion: The data suggest that, regular consumption of black tea was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment. We propose future studies with a larger sample size to improve statistical power.