CURRENT SCIENCE REVIEWS By Joe Bruman March 1999 Page 1 of 4 Munoz E et al; Neur 1999;52:297-301: Following a report (CSR FEB 98) of a mutant gene in a cohort of Japanese PD patients, they looked for it in a group of 71 Spanish patients, without success. Kuopio A et al; Neur 1999;52:302-308: In a 1992 repeat of a 1971 community-based survey of PD incidence in southwestern Finland, they found significant preponderance of males and rural residents not seen earlier, leading to suggestion of a possible new environmental factor. Vanacore N et al; Neur 1999;52:395-398: A large population-based study of mortality from all types of cancer among PD patients in the area of Rome, Italy, showed significantly lower risk in the PD group, not fully explained by the negative correlation of smoking and PD. Bohnen N et al; Neur 1999;52:541-546: Dopaminergic cells in the retina, as well as the substantia nigra, degenerate in PD, accounting for loss of contrast and color perception, and glucose metabolism in the primary visual cortex is reduced. From PET scans of a group of non-demented PD patients, they conclude that the reduction is mediated by degeneration of the SN/basal ganglia and not the retina. Papadimitriou A et al; Neur 1999;52:651-654: Seeking the genetic link to PD, workers have found a common mutant of the alpha-synuclein gene in the large Contursi kindred of autosomal-dominant PD, as well as in 3 unrelated Greek families, but not in several other sample groups around the world. Authors here present 2 more Greek PD clusters having the mutant gene, and including asymptomatic carriers older than the expected age at onset. Gelb D et al; Arch Neur 1999:56:33-39: Diagnosis of PD by clinical signs is difficult, because none is exclusive of other neurodegenerative disease. But they propose a rather elaborate set of combinations variously indicative of Possible, Probable, or Definite PD, that they think will provide a means of objective discrimination. The "Definite" category still would require postmortem examination. Hanna P et al; Arch Neur 1999;56:90-94: Environmental toxins long suspected as agents of PD are even more likely in multiple system atrophy (MSA), a sporadic disease. Winikates J, Jankovic J; Arch Neur 1999;56:98-102 Based on differences in clinical features among 346 parkinsonian patients, they propose a new class called vascular parkinsonism, related to cerebrovascular disease and distinct from idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Hauser R et al; Arch Neur 1999;66:179-187: In follow-up as long as 26 months of 6 recipients, fetal nigral cell bilateral transplants into the postcommissural putamen were observed by PET scan to have thrived and by clinical study to have brought lasting improvement of PD symptoms. CURRENT SCIENCE REVIEWS By Joe Bruman March 1999 Page 2 of 4 Hardie R, Morrish M; Jour Neur N'surg Psych 1999;66: Letters discussing earlier article (CSR MAY 98) about use of PET scan to measure rate of PD progression and estimate the preclinical period. Le W-D et al; Arch Neur 1999;66:194-200: In a blind controlled lab study, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with PD was toxic to dopaminergic cells. The CSF also contained elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but that was not the toxic agent. Kondziolka D et al; J Neurosurg 1999;90:197-202: They evaluated 58 advanced PD patients who received MRI-guided pallidotomy with macrostimulation, finding minimal morbidity and generally dramatic relief of off-period symptoms, but no help in on-period symptoms other than dyskinesia. Graham J, Sagar H; Mov Disord 1999;14:10-20: Formal analysis of data from 176 IPD patients suggests three apparently distinct subtypes of idopathic PD: "motor only" (no cognitive impairment), "motor and cognitive" (executive function deficit), and "rapid progression" (older at onset). Anderson C et al; Mov Disord 1999;14:21-27: Questioning a large sample of PD patients and controls, they found PD patients more likely to have higher intake of foods containing animal fat or vitamin D, or of vitamin A supplements. Fall P et al; Mov Disord 1999;14:28-37: A large case-control study in southeastern Sweden showed that many foods and drinks containing niacin, as well as smoking, reduced the risk of PD, and that pesticides increased the risk. Tolcapone Study Group; Mov Disord 1999;14:38-44: In a random trial of tolcapone vs. bromocriptine in 146 PD patients taking levodopa, the tolcapone group had more muscle cramps and dystonia, while the bromocriptine group had more hallucinations, orthostatic hypotension, and nausea. Merello M et al; Mov Disord 1999;14:45-49: Taking advantage of microelectrode recording during posteroventral pallidotomy of 9 PD patients, they found that a test dose of apomorphine reduced spontaneous activity of the internal globus pallidus (GPi), suggesting possible new therapy. Merello M et al; Mov Disord 1999;14:50-56: A randomized comparison of radiofrequency lesion (pallidotomy) vs. electrostimulation (DBS) of the posteroventral pallidum in 13 PD patients after 3 months showed better hand tapping in the DBS group and more improvement of dyskinesia in the PVP group, but generally equal benefit and safety of both procedures. Jankovic J et al; Mov Disord 1999;14:57-62: Careful testing of movement and coordination in 41 recipients of GPi pallidotomy showed improvement in bradykinesia. CURRENT SCIENCE REVIEWS By Joe Bruman March 1999 Page 3 of 4 Cunnington R et al; Mov Disord 1999;14:63-68: Measurement [by scalp electrodes] of evoked motion-related potential of PD patients during "freezing" episodes confirmed that training the subject to concentrate on the movement beforehand provided benefit similar to that of visual cues. Gentilucci M, Negrotti A; Mov Disord 1999;14:69-79: Study of planning and executing a standardized action in PD patients showed that the basal ganglia are involved in both functions. Shaunak S et al; Mov Disord 1199;14:80-86: Controlled testing of the effects of delay in remembered saccades (eye movements) showed that oculospatial working memory is unimpaired in PD. Pappert E et al; Mov Disord 1999;14:117-121: In a surveyed group of PD outpatients, altered dream phenomena were strongly associated with sleep fragmentation and with hallucinations/illusions, but the latter two phenomena were not associated. Leopold N et al; Mov Disord 1999;14:122-127: After a wasp sting, a man had mild parkinsonism for 6 months, which then rapidly progressed to a severe akinetic-rigid syndrome, unresponsive to standard antiparkinson medication. MRI scanning showed marked destruction of the basal ganglia. Reviews literature on extrapyramidal effects of such stings. Lera G, Zirulnik J; Mov Disord 1999;14:128-131: In 6 psychotic HIV (AIDS) patients who had developed parkinsonism due to other neuroleptic drugs, clozapine was effective, because apparently it doesn't block striatal dopamine receptors. Brashear A et al; Mov Disord 1999;14:132-137: Comparing Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans of PD patients with those of patients having rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP) showed a distinct difference in affected dopamine sites. Lancet, 6 February 1999:476 (news item): Citing the animal origins of HIV and some Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease cases, the Council of Europe on 29 January called for a Europe-wide moratorium on clinical xenotransplantation [including pig cell neurotransplants for PD] trials, until safety can be absolutely guaranteed. Lancet, 13 February 1999;466 (editorial): Citing presentations at a recent symposium, comments on "brisk" progress of PD research. It's hoped that in current Phase III trials the glutamate inhibitor riluzole will slow progression of PD. Inclusion of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as a site for deep-brain stimulation shows great promise. A continuous-delivery scheme for apomorphine may avoid the dyskinesia problems of levodopa. And recent twin studies confirm that heredity is an important factor only in early (age < 50)-onset PD. CURRENT SCIENCE REVIEWS By Joe Bruman March 1999 Page 4 of 4 Schapira A; BMJ 1999;318:311-314: Comprehensive review of current status and prospects for PD research. PD prevalence is about 20/100,000, second after AD with 150/100,000. PD causes substantial morbidity and shortens life span. It's probably not one but several closely related diseases, with increasing evidence for a genetic component, most likely in early-onset cases. Modifying use of already available drugs will improve symptom control. New drugs acting on non-dopaminergic transmitter systems are expected, as well as neurorescue and neuroprotective drugs. Apoptosis, oxidative stress by free radicals, mitochondrial complex I, and glutamate toxicity are discussed. Lieb K et al; Brain 1999;122:303-313: Study of 16 PD patients and 16 controls showed impairment of preattentive cortical visual processing in PD. Limousin P et al; Brain 1999;122:315-327: Study of 27 PD patients given standardized tasks provides detailed data on effects of posteroventral pallidotomy on preparation of voluntary movements in PD. Ondo W et al; Clin Neuropharm 1999;22:1-4: In a trial on 10 fluctuating PD patients, a new sublingual preparation of the quick-acting dopamine agonist apomorphine was, except for the bitter taste, as tolerable as and slightly more effective than optimally-dosed carbidopa/levodopa. Tison F et al; Clin Neuropharm 1999;22:5-10: A survey of 352 subjects in 42 long-term care institutions showed that neuroleptic drug use in institutionalized old people is associated with a high risk for parkinsonism. Andrea N et al; Clin Neuropharm 1999;22:15-23: A controlled trial comparison of L-dopa/benserazide, triazolam, and placebo showed that L-dopa in acute dose sedates L-dopa-naive subjects. Napolitano A et al; Clin Neuropharm 1999;22:24-29: A 6-week trial in 7 fluctuating PD patients confirmed that tolcapone slows L-dopa clearance and prolongs beneficial motor symptom response as a sustained effect. Evidente V et al; Clin Neuropharm 1999;22:30-32: In a pilot open-label trial on 14 PD patients rimantadine, the alpha-methyl derivative of amantadine, had some beneficial effect on motor symptoms, especially on rigidity. Manyam B et al; Clin Neuropharm 1999;22:33-39: A trial with 6-month follow-up on 52 PD patients confirmed that changing from regular Sinemet to Sinemet CR using a formula (not given in abstract) for dosage conversion permits less frequent dosage with no loss of efficacy. Giladi N et al; Clin Neuropharm 1999;22:54-59: PD impairs visual motor control (VMC) of arm movements. In a 14- subject trial, selegiline (Deprenyl) didn't affect velocity but did improve directional control in a dose-related manner. -- J. R. 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