Generalized mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy of muscle.
OBJECTIVE
To explore mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of resting muscle.


METHODS
Case-control study (28 PD patients and 28 normal controls) determining resting forearm inorganic phosphate/phosphocreatine (Pi/PCr) ratio.


RESULTS
Significant difference (p = 0.004, one-tailed test) in Pi/PCr ratio between PD patients (0.122) and controls (0.104). No correlation of Pi/PCr ratio with duration, severity, or speed of onset of disease. Positive correlation of Pi/PCr ratio with age in control group; reversed in PD group.


CONCLUSIONS
Suggests small generalized mitochondrial defect in PD. The possibility that earlier onset of disease is associated with more severe mitochondrial dysfunction needs further study.
Penn
A M
AM
Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Roberts
T
T
Hodder
J
J
Allen
P S
PS
Zhu
G
G
Martin
W R
WR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000378:metabolism
D010758:Phosphorus