Lugano/Taverne TI – The Parkinson’s disease research groups of two centers associated with USI have uncovered a revolutionary approach for the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s, according to information from the researchers themselves. This would pave the way towards much more effective treatment options.

 

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A joint research project between Cardiocentro (cardiological center) Ticino and the EOC Neurocentro has provided grounds for optimism in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. According to a press release, an analysis of blood plasma microvesicles (exosomes) could allow the disease to be detected at a very early stage, which would in turn facilitate much more effective treatment options. The study entitled “Immune profiling of plasma-derived extracellular vesicles identifies Parkinson disease” has now been published in the journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The two institutions participating in the research group are directly involved in the training activities of the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI: University of Italian Switzerland). The study is currently the subject of two doctoral theses at the USI and Cardiocentro. In addition, the Cardiocentro closely cooperates with the University of Zurich (UZH).

As of today, Parkinson’s disease can only be diagnosed at an advanced stage, when symptoms have become well established. This significantly restricts therapeutic approach possibilities. The current study conducted by the Parkinson’s research groups proves that the analysis of exosomes in the plasma can be used to detect the disease even at the beginning of the inflammatory process. This is “a revolutionary approach”, according to the researchers. Moreover, this is a non-invasive, painless and inexpensive testing method that requires only a simple blood sample.

Alain Kaelin, medical and scientific director of the Neurocentro EOC and full professor at USI, is quoted in the press release: “Besides the scientific value of the research and our satisfaction for the recognition, I think it is important to reflect on the added value of a synergy between apparently distant research fields – neurology and cardiology – which nevertheless manage to find original and very interesting developments in the daily and transparent comparison of their respective works, a condition that has been positively achieved in recent years in our joint laboratories in Taverne".

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