Gene variants linked to Parkinson's disease

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Women carrying variants of an estrogen-linked gene have a higher risk of Parkinson's disease.
It is known that estrogen protects against Parkinson’s disease. Now researchers at the Mayo Clinic reveal that variants in estrogen-linked genes, which may lower levels of the hormone, are associated with an increased risk of the condition.

They looked at several estrogen-linked genes in 172 women who had Parkinson’s disease and 229 women who did not. This revealed that variants in three genes – called ESR1, ESR2 and PRDM2 – are weak risk factors for Parkinson’s disease. The variants are actually quite common, affecting ten to 20 per cent of the female population. There may, the researchers say, be a case for screening women for variants of these genes in certain circumstances. For instance, it may be appropriate when elective ovariectomy is being considered, which would lower estrogen levels. The combination with the gene variant might lower estrogen even more, potentially increasing the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Source
American Academy of Neurology meeting 4th April 2006

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