Cytokine profiles of plasma extracellular vesicles as progression biomarkers in Parkinson's disease

• Published in: Aging (Albany, NY.) NY.), 2023-03, Vol.15 (5), p.1603-1614
• Main Authors: Chan, Lung, Chung, Chen-Chih, Yu, Ruan-Ching, Hong, Chien-Tai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarkers; Cytokines; Disease Progression; Extracellular Vesicles; Humans; Inflammation - complications; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-6; Longitudinal Studies; Parkinson Disease - complications; Research Paper; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• ISSN: 1945-4589; 1945-4589
• DOI: 10.18632/aging.204575

Inflammation contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Plasma extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived cytokines are emerging biomarkers of inflammation. We conducted a longitudinal study of the plasma EV-derived cytokine profiles of people with PD (PwP). A total of 101 people with mild to moderate PD and 45 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited, and they completed motor assessments (Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]) and cognitive tests at baseline and 1-year follow-up. We isolated the participants' plasma EVs and analyzed their levels of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. We noted no significant changes in the plasma EV-derived cytokine profiles of the PwPs and HCs between baseline and the 1-year follow-up. Among the PwP, changes in plasma EV-derived IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly associated with changes in the severity of postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) and cognition. Baseline plasma EV-derived IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were significantly associated with the severity of PIGD and cognitive symptoms at follow-up, and PwP with elevated IL-1β and IL-6 levels exhibited significant progression of PIGD over the study period. These results suggested the role of inflammation in PD progression. In addition, baseline levels of plasma EV-derived proinflammatory cytokines can be used to predict the progression of PIGD, the most severe motor symptom of PD. Additional studies with longer follow-up periods are necessary, and plasma EV-derived cytokines may serve as effective biomarkers of PD progression.