Is a reliable biomarker for Parkinson’s disease on the horizon?

Researchers at Kobe University (Kobe, Japan) and Hiroshima University (Hiroshima, Japan) have successfully demonstrated the enzyme cytochrome P450 can be utilized as an effective biomarker for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease from blood serum samples, in animal and human models. Parkinson’s is most prevalent in the elderly and symptoms typically manifest as tremors in hands and legs, muscle rigidity and bradykinesia. Although the disease has a serious impact on the quality of life for both patients and their families, there are currently no curative treatments available. Diagnostic methods and biomarkers for patients without subjective motor symptoms have not yet been...