ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Insights into the effects of Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) on common non-motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease (PD) were presented today at the 64th AAN Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA.

A post-hoc analysis of data from five, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials investigated the effect of rotigotine transdermal system on neuropsychiatric features and fatigue in patients with PD. Improvements were observed with rotigotine transdermal system versus placebo in items assessing apathy, anhedonia, anxiety, anxiety/depression, depression and fatigue. In addition, a post hoc analysis of data from the RECOVER* study investigated the effect of rotigotine transdermal system on pain in patients with PD, and in some patients with pain, improvements were observed with rotigotine transdermal system versus placebo.

Post hoc analyses of large amounts of data like these provide valuable insights into the potential impact of rotigotine on the everyday lives of people with Parkinsons, and signal a need for further study in this area, said Professor Robert Hauser, Director, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

Results presented below should be viewed in the context of the post-hoc analyses. In addition the p-values reported are exploratory and prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Summary of PD data presented at AAN 2012

ABSTRACT TITLE: Rotigotine transdermal system improves neuropsychiatric features (apathy, anhedonia, anxiety, and depression) and fatigue in patients with Parkinsons disease: A post-hoc analysis of five double-blind placebo-controlled studies

Post-hoc analysis of five placebo-controlled studies of rotigotine transdermal system in patients with early-PD (SP512, SP513), advanced-PD (PREFER, CLEOPATRA-PD), and PD with unsatisfactory control of early-morning motor symptoms (RECOVER) was conducted*. Individual items assessing apathy, anhedonia, anxiety, anxiety/depression, depression and fatigue were identified from the scales used in these studies - the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the 39-item Parkinsons Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), the 8-item Parkinsons disease questionnaire (PDQ-8) and the 5-item EuroQol Group questionnaire (EQ-5D).

ABSTRACT TITLE: Rotigotine transdermal system improves pain in patients with Parkinsons disease: A post-hoc analysis of patients reporting pain in the RECOVER study

RECOVER* (Randomized Evaluation of the 24-hour Coverage: Efficacy of Rotigotine) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=287) that demonstrated significant improvements in early-morning motor function and nocturnal sleep disturbance with rotigotine transdermal system.* Secondary efficacy measures in the RECOVER study were the Nocturnal, Akinesia, Dystonia and Cramps Score (NADCS) and exploratory outcome measures included the Likert Pain Scale.

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New Post-Hoc Analyses Examined Neupro® Effects on Pain, Depressed Mood, Apathy and Fatigue in Patients with Parkinson ...

- Fox Foundation to sponsor a clinical trial to study Sanofi compound -

PARIS , France , April 19, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Sanofi (EURONEXT: BSAC - News) (NYSE: SNY - News) announced today that it has entered into a collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) to conduct a clinical trial to assess the safety and tolerability of AVE 8112, a Sanofi PDE4 inhibitor - phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor - in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

"AVE8112 has shown promising pro-cognitive activity in preclinical models that could be of interest to the under-addressed cognitive aspects of Parkinson's disease, an area of unmet need where a new treatment could make a tangible difference in patients' lives," said Todd Sherer , Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of MJFF. "Groundbreaking collaborations with like-minded partners such as Sanofi are a hallmark of the Fox Foundation's approach and help us speed scientific advances with potential to improve the treatment of Parkinson's for patients today and in the future."

Under the terms of the collaboration, MJFF will sponsor a phase I b clinical trial to assess the safety and tolerability of AVE8112 in patients with Parkinson's disease. All data and results generated by the clinical trial will be owned by MJFF and shared with Sanofi. Further development plans will be based upon the results of the study.

"The Michael J. Fox Foundation has been a driving force in discovering and developing improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's disease. Through this research collaboration, together we will be able to study Sanofi's pharmaceutical compound for a possible new treatment for PD patients around the world," said Dr. Elias Zerhouni , President, Global R&D, Sanofi. "We hope to continue to develop relationships with private foundations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation to pool our resources and maximize the potential of our drug portfolio to address unmet medical needs."

The clinical trial will be conducted at clinical sites in the United States in Baltimore , MD, and Los Angeles , CA. Patient enrollment in the study is expected to begin later this year.

***

About Parkinson's Disease Over one million people in the US and an estimated 5 million people globally suffer from Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the diminished production of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter, resulting in progressive impairment of motor function including tremors, rigidity and difficulty in moving. Another symptom of PD is cognitive dysfunction, such as difficulty planning, sequencing, initiating and sustaining behavior toward a goal. Estimates vary but some studies suggest a cognitive deficit may occur in up to 80% of people with Parkinson's. While there is a drug approved for the treatment of dementia in PD, there are currently no treatments available for patients who experience less severe cognitive impairments.

About Sanofi Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: BSAC - News) and in New York (NYSE: SNY - News).

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research As the world's largest private funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding more than $285 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world. Now through December 31, 2012 , all new and increased giving to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, as well as gifts from donors who have not given since 2009 or earlier, will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis with the $50-million Brin Wojcicki Challenge, launched by Sergey Brin and Anne Wojcicki .

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Sanofi and Michael J. Fox Foundation Collaborate on Potential New Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

Readmore: Local, News, Parkinson's Disease, Want to Learn more about Parkinson's Disease?, Parkinsons Conference, Crown Reef Resort, Parkinson's Conference at Crown Reef Resort

Parkinson's Disease affects nearly one million people in the United States.

A man who has the disorder and his mother put on a conference at the Crown Reef Resort Thursday to teach people about the disease.

Parkinson's involves the malfunction or death of nerve cells in the brain that produce a chemical that sends messages to part of the brain that controls movement.

The cause of Parkinson's in unknown and there is no cure. But there are treatment options like medication and surgery to manage symptoms.

"There is a lot of hope out there. There's a lot of new medications coming through the pipeline that will be helpful. We also encourage people to live their lives to the fullest everyday," says Karlin Schroeder with the Parkinsons Disease Foundation.

Clickhereto read more about Parkinson's Disease.

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Want to learn more about Parkinson's Disease?

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Huntsville resident Jennifer Neathery will be hitting the streets of downtown Nashville Saturday for a 26.2 mile challenge to raise money and awareness about a disease she's battled for seven year's, Parkinson's.

In an effort to promote Parkinson's Awareness Month in the community, Neathery will be participating in the St. Jude Country Music Marathon to raise money for the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. She says her motivation for embarking on the 26.2-mile challenge is to not only generate awareness, but to show that "no matter what your circumstances are, you can do anything you can your mind to."

Neathery, an avid runner, was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease seven years ago at 32. Despite her disease's hardships, Neathery decided to partake in the run to challenger herself and prove to others that Parkinson's doesn't mean "giving up being active and living a good life."

The runner's goal is to raise $500 as she runs in the Nashville marathon on Saturday. She will be one of more than 35,000 participants in the race, which is a part of the Rock 'n' Roll marathon series.

Robin Elliott, the executive director for the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, says champions such as Neathery remind her of what the organization does and why.

"Because Parkinson's affects nearly 1 million Americans and we need to find a cure," he said. "We applaud her efforts to not only help PDF to fund the most promising research, but also to raise awareness in her community and around the U.S. about the impact of the disease."

To learn more about Neathery's fundraising efforts or to donate, contact the Parkinson's Disease Foundation by calling 800-457-6676, visit pdf.org or email info@pdf.org.

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Huntsville runner with Parkinson's disease to run in marathon

KIRKLAND, Wash., April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent clinical trial conducted at Evergreen Healthcare shows that a new form of a common drug used to treat Parkinson's Disease greatly improves the quality of life for patients and reduces the affects of symptoms such as tremors, slowness, stiffness and difficulty walking.

Evergreen was the only site in the Pacific Northwest to hold the trial, which was led by Dr. C. Warren Olanow, a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

The trial tested standard oral dosages of a Parkinson's drug against the newer levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) and found that the intestinal treatments gave patients an average of two extra hours per day of reduced symptoms and improved movement.

"We have been involved in the trials since 2008," said Dr. Alida Griffith, principal investigator for the trial at Evergreen's Booth Gardner Parkinson's Care Center. "Levodopa is the 'gold standard' treatment for Parkinson's disease."

The intestinal gel contains levodopa and carbidopa, two drugs commonly prescribed for Parkinson's, and is infused through a portable pump connected to a tube implanted in the intestine.

In the three-month, double-blind trial, 71 participants were randomized to receive either the continuous infusion of LCIG and dummy pills or a dummy intestinal gel and pills that contained levodopa and carbidopa. At the start of the study, the average person had Parkinson's disease for about 11 years and experienced 6.6 hours of symptomatic behavior per day. A total of 93 percent of participants completed the study.

The results of the study are set to be presented as part of the Emerging Science program (formerly known as Late-Breaking Science) at the American Academy of Neurology's 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans from April 21 to April 28, 2012.

The study was supported by Abbott.

Learn more about Parkinson's disease at http://www.aan.com/patients.

To learn more about the Evergreen Neuroscience Institute, visit http://www.evergreenhealthcare.org/parkinsons or call the Evergreen Healthline 425.899.3000.

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Clinical Trial at Evergreen Healthcare Shows Intestinal Gel Reduces Symptoms of Advanced Parkinson's Disease

Published Friday, 20 April 2012

Researchers from around the world are coming together to study Parkinson's (Getty)

The announcement was made at a special event at Queen's University, as part of Parkinson's Awareness Week.

Parkinson's UK says the research study will boost the chances of finding a cure to stop the devastating symptoms, including tremors, mood changes, movement difficulties, loss of smell and speech problems.

The charity is looking to recruit up to 3,000 sufferers throughout the UK, who are at an early stage of the condition, for the study called 'Tracking Parkinson's'.

The aim of the 1.6m study is to identify elusive biomarkers and develop simple tests, like blood tests, to diagnose the disease.

We could identify some of the problems and, moving forward, we could actually treat Parkinson's rather than the symptoms, and that would be a cure.

Kieran Breen, Director of Research and Innovation at Parkinson's UK

As part of the study, the responses to treatments for tremors, movement problems, anxiety, memory lapses and digestion problems will be closely monitored for up to five years.

"Studies like 'Tracking Parkinson's' could make a huge difference and help us to ultimately find a cure," said Dr Kieran Breen.

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NI in Parkinson's research world first

ATLANTA, April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Data examining the effect of Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) in both Parkinson's disease and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) will be presented at the 64th American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA, between April 21-28, 2012. Key data presentations will focus on post hoc analyses of pivotal and other studies of rotigotine transdermal system and are designed to investigate the impact of rotigotine transdermal system on the core symptoms of RLS and on the motor and underlying symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as depression, anxiety, anehdonia, fatigue and pain.

"These resultsaddto thebody of clinical evidencesupporting rotigotine transdermal system. The dataunderscore UCB's continuing commitment to discovering and developing therapies that address unmet medical needs for potentially debilitating central nervous system disorders," said Dr. James Zackheim, PhD, Senior Medical Director, Central Nervous System Business Unit, UCB, Inc.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of advanced stage idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and as a treatment for moderate-to-severe primary RLS. Neupro was previously approved by the FDA for the signs and symptoms of early stage idiopathic PD. The FDA has also approved UCB's new formulation of Neupro.

Following is a guide to UCB-supported research featuring rotigotine transdermal system being presented during the AAN Annual Meeting. For more information please contact Andrea Levin at 404.483.7329 or Andrea.Levin@ucb.com.

Parkinson's disease abstracts

1. [P.06.088] Abstract Title: Rotigotine Transdermal System Improves Neuropsychiatric Features (Apathy, Anhedonia, Anxiety, and Depression) and Fatigue in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Post-hoc Analysis of Five Double-blind Placebo-controlled Studies Date/Time: Thursday, April 26, 20127:30 am 12:00 pm Session Info:Session P06: Assessment and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

2. [P.06.085] Abstract Title: Rotigotine Transdermal System Improves Pain in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Post-hoc Analysis of Patients Reporting Pain in the RECOVER StudyDate/Time: Thursday, April 26, 20127:30 am 12:00 pm Session Info:Session P06: Assessment and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

3. Abstract Title: An International Study to Investigate Rotigotine Dose Response (2-8 mg/24 h) on 'Off' Time in Patients With Advanced Stage Parkinson's Disease Date/Time: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 5:45 pm 7:00 pm

RLS abstracts

4. [P04.032] Abstract Title: Effects of 24-h Transdermal Delivery of Rotigotine on the Core Symptoms and Symptom Impact of Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease: A Post-hoc Analysis of IRLS Single Item Data from a 6-month Placebo-controlled European StudyDate/Time:Wednesday, April 25, 20127:30 am 12:00 pm Session Info:Session P04: Movement Disorders: Restless Legs Syndrome, and Tardive Dyskinesia

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New Neupro® Data in Parkinson's Disease and Restless Legs Syndrome to be Presented at the 64th American Academy of ...

ATLANTA, April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --To help people learn more about the full range of symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, global biopharmaceutical company UCB, Inc., is launching a new online community -- Parkinson's More than Motion -- that provides a platform for people living with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers to interact and learn from others with the condition. Part of this launch is the debut of a new reality-style video series depicting real families living with the condition.

"My family and I are telling my story in the More than Motion community to encourage others to educate themselves about all symptoms of Parkinson's disease, so they can best manage the condition," said Jo-Ann Golec, who was diagnosed more than 15 years ago and has become an active Parkinson's disease advocate.

The Parkinson's More than Motion community includes a Facebook page where people can add their voices to the conversation, connect with experts, take quizzes and more:

One million Americans currently live with Parkinson's disease. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease are typically categorized as either affecting motor function or non-motor function. The cardinal motor symptoms include stiffness, tremors, slow movements and postural instability. In addition, the medical and research communities are starting to better understand the full spectrum of symptoms that can have a significant impact on a patient's life. These include:

In celebration of Parkinson's Awareness Month, which occurs each April in the U.S., Parkinson's More than Motion will travel to community events this month including the American Academy of Neurology's Brain Health Fair in New Orleans and the Parkinson's Unity Walk in New York City.

To learn more about Parkinson's More than Motion and to view the first installment of the video series, visit Facebook.com/ParkinsonsMorethanMotion.

More About Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, neurological disease that occurs when certain cells in the brain stop producing enough of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine plays several important roles in the body -- it helps regulate movement and it plays a role in cognitive and emotional function.

As dopamine levels fall, the cardinal motor symptoms (stiffness, tremors, slow movement, and postural instability) can progress, along with the underlying non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, which are less well-recognized and may be under-treated. It is estimated that 60 percent of people with Parkinson's have two or more non-motor symptoms, and that 25 percent have four or more.

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurological disorder affecting older people in the United States. Each year, between 50,000 and 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed in the U.S.; worldwide it is estimated that 7 to 10 million people have Parkinson's disease.

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New Online Community Highlights that Living with Parkinson's Disease May Involve More Than Motion™

PROJECT: ON/OFF Living

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ON/OFF (TEASER) Young Onset Parkinson's Disease

This multicentre, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial was done in 13 movement disorders departments in France between October, 2009, and December, 2011. Eligible patients were younger than 80 years and had Parkinson's disease, severe gait disorders, and freezing of gate despite optimised treatment of motor fluctuations with dopaminergic drugs and subthalamic stimulation. We randomly assigned patients (1:1 with a computer random-number generator in blocks of four) to receive methylphenidate (1 mg/kg per day) or placebo capsules for 90 days. Patients, their carers, study staff, investigators, and data analysts were masked to treatment allocation. To control for confounding effects of levodopa we assessed patients under standardised conditions with an acute levodopa challenge. Our primary outcome was a change in the number of steps during the stand-walk-sit (SWS) test without levodopa. We compared the respective mean numbers of steps at day 90 in the methylphenidate and placebo groups in a covariance analysis and adjusted for baseline differences. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00914095.

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Methylphenidate for gait hypokinesia and freezing in patients with Parkinson's disease undergoing subthalamic ...

State Rep. John Robinson (D-Scottsboro) said on Thursday he is in the early stages of Parkinson's Disease.

Robinson said he was diagnosed in January, shortly before the start of the 2012 Alabama Legislative Session.

"I'm on medication," said Robinson. "It's not a death sentence. It's treatable, but not curable."

Currently serving his fifth term in office after first being elected in 1994, Robinson said he only missed two days of the legislative session this year.

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over age 60. It leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination.

Robinson said he's had no problems with shaking.

"It gets my voice," he said. "And my coordination when I'm walking."

Robinson said he is going this summer to see a special neurologist in Chicago, one who has treated Muhammed Ali and Michael J. Fox.

Robinson, who retired from the Jackson County District Attorney's Office after entering politics, will complete 20 years in office when his current term ends. His five terms as state representative is the most for a person from Jackson County.

"I'm proud of that," he said.

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Robinson diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 30, 2012) - Cynapsus Therapeutics Inc. (CTH.V - News), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing an improved dosing formulation of an approved drug used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, today announced its results for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Unless specified otherwise, all amounts are in Canadian dollars.

"In the first quarter our team continued to make significant progress on our lead drug candidate, APL-130277," said Anthony Giovinazzo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cynapsus. "In particular, the first quarter was highlighted by the announcement of the completion of the first human clinical trial for APL-130277. Building on this success, we remain focused on the completion of a second dose escalation study in the next 60-90 days, as well as preparations for an Investigational New Drug Application to the US FDA for a clinical BioEquivalence study later in the year. The BEQ study is the next critical de-risking milestone that we believe will drive significant shareholder value."

Financial Highlights

Recent Developments

The following achievements were made during the quarter:

Cynapsus Completed the First Human Volunteer Pilot Proof-of-Concept Clinical Trial For APL-130277. On January 10, 2012, Cynapsus announced positive headline data from its recently completed human volunteer pilot proof-of-concept trial for APL-130277, a sublingual thin film strip formulation of apomorphine. The study showed a pharmacokinetic (PK) profile that compared favorably to injected apomorphine with a mean T-max of 25 minutes and good tolerability, and therefore confirms that APL-130277 has the potential to treat motor fluctuations or "off episodes" in Parkinson's disease. This was a significant milestone and de-risking event for the project.

Cynapsus Obtained Independent Research Coverage. In February 2012, the Company announced that Loewen, Ondaatje, McCutcheon Limited ("LOM") initiated analyst coverage of the Company. LOM's biotech analyst initiation of research coverage provides further independent opinion and view of the strengths, risks and commercial potential of APL-130277.

Cynapsus Added an Additional Expert to the Clinical Advisory Board ("CAB"). During the quarter, Management initiated a search for new CAB candidates that have extensive experience in the clinical management of Parkinson's patients. In April 2012, subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company announced that it has appointed Dr. Abraham Lieberman to the CAB. Dr. Lieberman is the current Director of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Movement Disorder Clinic of the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Cynapsus Initiated Discussions to Strengthen the Board of Directors. During the quarter, the Board initiated a search for new Board candidates. In May 2012, subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company announced that Dr. Perry Molinoff, Dr. Thomas Picone, and Anthony Giovinazzo, were named as candidates to join its Board of Directors at the May 30, 2012 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders. Mr. Giovinazzo and Dr. Molinoff were nominated and elected to the Board at the meeting held earlier in the day, along with Mr. Ronald Hosking, Dr. Julia Levy, Dr. Alan Ryley, Ms. Rochelle Stenzler and Mr. Alan Torrie. Dr. Picone was not nominated today for personal reasons, however his candidacy is still in process and he may join the Board of Directors in the next three months, subject to Board and Exchange approval.

Cynapsus Commenced Work on the Second Human Volunteer Pilot Proof-of-Concept Clinical Trial For APL-130277. During the quarter, the Company began work on a second Phase 1 healthy human volunteer pilot study to provide additional insights related to a two dose comparison, as well as some minor changes to the prototype composition. This pilot study commenced in May 2012, subsequent to the end of the quarter, with results expected to be announced in July or August 2012.

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Cynapsus Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results and Recent Developments

Public release date: 4-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Kagan Kerman kkerman@utsc.utoronto.ca 416-287-7249 University of Toronto Scarborough

Researchers at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) used an innovative technique to examine chemical interactions that are implicated in Parkinson's Disease.

The work details how a protein called alpha-synuclein interacting with the brain chemical dopamine can lead to protein misfolding and neuronal death.

Parkinson's Disease is a neurodegenerative disease which results in loss of motor control and cognitive function. Although the cause isn't known precisely, the disease involves the death of brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical important in neuronal signaling. The disease also involves a protein called alpha-synuclein which aggregates in the neurons of people with the disease.

Kagan Kerman, a chemist in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, and Ian R. Brown, a neuroscientist who founded UTSC's Centre for the Neurobiology of Stress in the Department of Biological Sciences, looked at the way dopamine interacts with alpha-synuclein to form aggregates that may be toxic to neurons.

"This is very fundamental," says Kagan Kerman. "It gives us a new point of view of the misfolding proteins and how they are affected by dopamine."

These sorts of interactions are often studied using microscopy. But the UTSC researchers decided to use an electroanalytic technique called voltammetry. By studying tiny changes in electric current as dopamine and alpha-synuclein interacted they were able to determine details about the early phases of the interaction.

Using the technique, they were able to detail how changes in pH levels and ionic strength of the solution affected the interaction. They found that at higher pH levels and higher ionic strengths, dopamine interacted much more strongly with alpha-synuclein, forming aggregates more quickly.

The results could have implications for understanding and treating the disease. Normally dopamine is contained in structures called vesicles, in which pH levels are low and dopamine is unlikely to interact with alpha-synuclein. Outside of the vesicles dopamine encounters higher pH levels and, according to the new research, is much more likely to interact to create aggregates.

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New research yields insights into Parkinson's disease

ScienceDaily (Apr. 25, 2012) University of California, San Diego scientists have used powerful computational tools and laboratory tests to discover new support for a once-marginalized theory about the underlying cause of Parkinson's disease.

The new results conflict with an older theory that insoluble intracellular fibrils called amyloids cause Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Instead, the new findings provide a step-by-step explanation of how a "protein-run-amok" aggregates within the membranes of neurons and punctures holes in them to cause the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

The discovery, published in the March 2012 issue of the FEBS Journal, describes how -synuclein (a-syn), can turn against us, particularly as we age. Modeling results explain how -syn monomers penetrate cell membranes, become coiled and aggregate in a matter of nanoseconds into dangerous ring structures that spell trouble for neurons.

"The main point is that we think we can create drugs to give us an anti-Parkinson's effect by slowing the formation and growth of these ring structures," said Igor Tsigelny, lead author of the study and a research scientist at the San Diego Supercomputer Center and Department of Neurosciences, both at UC San Diego.

Familial Parkinson's disease is caused in many cases by a limited number of protein mutations. One of the most toxic is A53T. Tsigelny's team showed that the mutant form of -syn not only penetrates neuronal membranes faster than normal -syn, but the mutant protein also accelerates ring formation.

"The most dangerous assault on the neurons of Parkinson's patients appears to be the relatively small -syn ring structures themselves," said Tsigelny. "It was once heretical to suggest that these ring structures, rather than long fibrils found in neurons of people having Parkinson's disease, were responsible for the symptoms of the disease; however, the ring theory is becoming more and more accepted for this neurodegenerative disease and others such as Alzheimer's disease. Our results support this shift in thinking."

The modeling results also are consistent with the electron microscopy images of neurons in Parkinson's disease patients; the damaged neurons are riddled with ring structures.

Wasting no time, the modeling discoveries have spawned an intense hunt at UC San Diego for drug candidates that block ring formation in neuron membranes. The sophisticated modeling required involves a complex realm of science at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and statistical probabilities. A kaleidoscope of interacting forces in this realm makes -syn proteins bump and tremble like they're in an earthquake, coil and uncoil, and join together in pairs or larger groups of inventive ballroom dancers.

The modeling is creating a much better understanding of the mysterious a-syn protein itself, according to Tsigelny. A few years ago it was shown to accumulate in the central nervous system of patients with Parkinson's disease and a related disorder called dementia with Lewy bodies.

The new modeling study has revealed precisely how two -syn proteins insert their molecular toes into the membrane of a neuron, wiggle into it in only a few nanoseconds and immediately join together as a pair. The pair isn't itself toxic; however, when more -syn proteins join the dance, a key threshold is eventually crossed; polymerization accelerates into a ring structure that perforates the membrane, damaging the cell.

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Strong support for once-marginalized theory on Parkinson’s disease

OSLO, Norway--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:

DiaGenic ASA (OSE:DIAG): DiaGenic today reports on the finalization of data collection and database lock of a blinded study in a Norwegian cohort of 80 patients with familial Parkinsons disease (PD). The majority of these patients are carrying a mutation in the parkin 8 gene (also called LRRK2) that significantly increases the risk of developing PD. Patients recruited from St Olavs University Hospital under the lead of Principal Investigator Professor Jan Aasly are all LRRK2 mutation carriers with or without the disease or healthy relatives. Unblinding of the study is set to the May 16th and analysis and reporting is expected to be completed during summer 2012.

As part of the overarching program on development of diagnostic biomarkers for PD, the objective of the study is to identify a biomarker for individuals at risk of developing the disease using material from LRRK2 individuals and relatives. The LRRK2 study is unique being the first blood based RNA analysis in pre symptomatic PD. The study is also expected to allow independent validation of DiaGenics European multicentre study that previously this year reported a high accuracy (88%) in PD patients reported February 8th 2012.

The collection of data from the Norwegian individuals with this rare mutation has been ongoing at St. Olav`s University Hospital in Trondheim, Norway, since 2009 and includes collection of blood for gene signature analysis, clinical variables and imaging of the brain. By taking blood samples from individuals with LRRK2 mutations and identifying a gene signature before signs of the disease occur, a general blood based diagnostic test for early PD can be developed.

The gene analyses of 96 samples including technical controls and samples of 82 participants from families with a LRRK2 gene mutation are performed on an Illumina whole genome platform and aims to identify disease related gene probes (i.e. gene transcripts) for disease specific diagnostic models. The gene analyses were completed May 7th and the study now enters into the phase of final bioinformatical analysis.

Professor Jan Aasly, Dept Neurology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway comments: This unique study represents an opportunity to make new scientific discoveries in Parkinson`s Disease. Should we be able to identify a gene signature that is present before the onset of neurological signs in PD, in this form of familial PD, then we may be one step closer to identifying a diagnostic test for pre symptomatic PD.

DiaGenic CEO Dr Henrik Lund said: We are very pleased collaborate with St. Olavs University Hospital and Professor Aasly. We are especially grateful to the families that are committed to support scientific advancements in PD. With their support we are in a good position to start identifying novel biomarkers that in DiaGenics product development programs can mature into diagnostic tools to support early diagnosis and development of new drugs to treat PD. DiaGenic is committed to develop novel diagnostic tools for severe disorders, especially in PD and Alzheimers disease.

About PD

Parkinsons disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimers disease with more than 5 million patients worldwide, whereas 1 million are in the US. PD is a disorder of the central nervous system that results from the loss of cells in various parts of the brain. No cure is yet available, but several pharmaceutical companies are currently developing medicines many of which target disease modification in PD. There is no objective test for Parkinson's, so the rate of misdiagnosis can be relatively high, especially when the diagnosis is made by a non-specialist at an early stage of the disease.

PD research in DiaGenic

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DiaGenic ASA: DiaGenic Reports Completion of Data Collection and Genetic Analyses in a Unique Study on Familial ...

KUSA - If you or someone you know has Parkinson's disease (PD) you are not alone. In the United States, as many as 60,000 cases of PD are diagnosed each year. Our morning show devoted a full call-in to the topic on Thursday.

We had Parkinson's disease specialists in our information center, along with the President of the Parkinson Association of the Rockies.

The experts say (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people. What this means is that individuals with PD will be living with PD for twenty years or more from the time of diagnosis.

While Parkinson's disease itself is not fatal, the Center for Disease Control rated complications from the disease as the 14th top cause of death in the United States. There is currently no cure for Parkinson's; however, there are treatments that help control the symptoms of PD and can give those afflicted with it, a good quality of life.

Learn more by visiting:http://www.parkinsonrockies.org/

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Latest Doctor Line9: Parkinson's

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -03/21/12)- Attention: Health and Lifestyle Editors

People with Parkinson's disease have a new tool to help them identify the non-motor symptoms they are experiencing with their Parkinson's disease.

A Guide to the Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, the first of its kind in Canada, is a user-friendly, educational booklet, designed to help people with Parkinson's recognize non-motor symptoms such as cognitive impairment, sleep problems and compulsive behaviours and learn about treatments and strategies to manage them.

The 50-page booklet, available in English and French, is the result of a partnership between Parkinson Society Canada and the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction. The author, Dr. Ronald Postuma is a researcher in neurosciences at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) in Montreal.

Citing a typical example, Dr. Postuma says a man with Parkinson's may present with a urinary problem that is initially thought to be a prostate issue when, in fact, it may be related to Parkinson's. "Many patients do not realize that urinary problems, constipation, insomnia and other symptoms are linked to Parkinson's disease. As a result, they go untreated," says Postuma who is also a neurologist at the MUHC and an Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. "The booklet is a simple, pragmatic tool that I hope will improve patient care," he added.

Postuma says that the booklet is intended to help people with Parkinson's identify their non-motor symptoms, record what they are experiencing using the Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire at the back of the booklet, and discuss these symptoms with their doctor. He cautions it is not intended to replace the advice or instruction of a professional healthcare practitioner, or to substitute medical care.

"This is an excellent example of the practical application of evidenced-based research that benefits clinical care," says Joyce Gordon, President & CEO, Parkinson Society Canada.

A Guide to the Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease is available at http://www.parkinson.ca/NonMotorGuide.

Parkinson Society Canada's national research program is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Canadians living with Parkinson's. Its 10 regional partners and 240 chapters and support groups, have been providing education, support, and advocacy on behalf of over 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson's since 1965. To learn more visit http://www.parkinson.ca.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada. http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

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Challenges With Movement Only Half the Story in Parkinson's

With recent remarks made by Republican Presidential nominee Rick Santorum on his stance on Stem Cell Research, people suffering from Parkinsons disease and other afflictions which can benefit from Stem Cell research have opened up Pandoras Box in their search for non-traditional methods to reduce symptoms. Recent medical studies as well as an in-depth report posted at BeWellBuzz.com have confirmed that the ancient martial art of Tai chi can significantly reduce some of the worst physical problems of Parkinson's disease.

Las Vegas, Nevada (PRWEB) March 20, 2012

Parkinson's disease is a nervous system disorder which commonly develops in humans of age 50 and above, however, many people, such as Hollywood actor Michael J. Fox have been diagnosed with this affliction much earlier in life. Parkinsons carries certain specific symptoms such as constant blinking, lack of facial expressions, shaking, loss of balance and coordination, and other irregular bodily reactions, and is caused primarily by the destruction of the nerve cells in the brain which makes dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for the transfer of pleasure and reward feelings in the center of the brain.

Medications may help control some things, like tremors, but many drugs are not as good at helping the so-called axial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, which include problems with balance and walking. It is for this reason that a recent study was completed at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore which showed significant improvements to these symptoms which have plagued Parkinsons patients for decades.

According to the study, doctors assigned 195 people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease to one of three groups: Tai Chi classes, Exercise with Weights and a third group which completed a program of seated stretching exercises. After six months, people who had been taking tai chi were able to lean farther forward or backward without stumbling or falling compared to those who had been doing resistance training or stretching. They were also better able to smoothly direct their movements. And they were able to take longer strides than people in the other two groups.

"The results from this study are quite impressive," says Ray Dorsey, MD, MBA, a neurologist and associate professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. "It's always difficult to compare results across studies, but the magnitude of the impact that they had is larger, in some cases, than what is seen with medications in Parkinson's."

"This is a very encouraging study," says Chenchen Wang, MD, associate professor at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston who has studied the benefits of Tai Chi on Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia in the past. "Most of our previous studies have measured pain, depression, and anxiety, which are subjective measures. These results are very impressive because they used objective measurements,"

To learn more about the recent discovery and other ways that Tai Chi can improve other conditions, please visit the article posted at BeWellBuzz.com posted below.

http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/tai-chi-and-parkinsons-disease

About BeWellBuzz.com

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Tai Chi Shown to Vastly Improve Parkinson’s Symptoms

31-10-2011 14:20 Thomas Schwarz shows how Parkinson's disease proteins quarantine damaged mitochondria by disconnecting them from the microtubule network.

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PINK1/Parkin Derails Damaged Mitochondria - Video

31-10-2011 12:11 The Tango as Physical Therapy Parkinson's Disease. Performing at the Parkinson walk in Rome, GA for fundraising to increase PD awareness. Choreographer and Researcher, Madeleine Hackney Ph.D., Emory School of Medicine leads the performance with partner Ben Jackson, a Person with Parkinson's who was diagnosed at the age of 28. Clinical research studies continue to demonstrate physical benefits of the Argentine Tango for People with Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's Disease is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. PD symptoms are cognitive and non-motor as well as the more commonly recognized movement disorder symptoms. The CDC reports Parkinson's as the underlying cause of death for more than 20000 Americans every year. Currently, there is no treatment for Parkinson's Disease, and there is no cure. There is only treatment for certain symptoms of PD, all of which progress every day. See how you can help, Please visit gaparkinsons.org today!

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Parkinson's Disease and The Argentine Tango - Video