PON1-55M/L (paraoxonase 1) gene polymorphism in Parkinson’s disease in North Indian population

Abstract

A number of genetic markers are well established in the causation of Parkinson's Disease such as alpha synuclein gene, Parkin gene, LRRK2 gene etc. Recent studies also suggest role of newer genetic factors like PON1 etc. in the causation of Parkinson’s disease. The PON 1L55M allele is correlated with decreased m-RNA and protein levels and therefore carriers of PON1 L55M allele may have an inherited defect in detoxification of environmental toxins and this allele constitutes one possible candidate for PD susceptibility. Hence the role of PON1-55M/L gene Polymorphism in Parkinson’s disease was studied. In the present study, the PON1-55M/L gene polymorphism was analyzed in 74 Parkinson’s disease patients and in 74 age and sex matched controls, by polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction digestion. Ethical clearance was obtained from Ethics committee for Human Research, Lady Hardinge Medical College New Delhi. The PON1-L55M gene Polymorphism was not found to be associated with Parkinson’s disease in this study. However the MM genotype had odd ratio of 2.85 in patients as compared to controls, after adjusting for all the confounders. Well water consumption and exposure to pesticides were significantly more among Patients of Parkinson’s disease as compared to control group. Our study suggests the possible role of MM genotype of PON1-55M/L gene Polymorphism as genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease when presented simultaneously with other risk factors of Parkinson’s disease. Further studies are required before PON-55M/L gene Polymorphism can be considered as genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease.