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Posted on Oct 10, 2002, 7 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Scientists have unearthed evidence suggesting that the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases could be due to oxidative stress. Investigations revealed that alpha-synuclein (a-syn), a protein found in the presynaptic terminal of neurons is the main component of several markers of neurodegenerative disorders, including Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN), both characteristic lesions of Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have unearthed evidence suggesting that the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases could be due to oxidative stress. Investigations revealed that alpha-synuclein (a-syn), a protein found in the presynaptic terminal of neurons is the main component of several markers of neurodegenerative disorders, including Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN), both characteristic lesions of Parkinson's disease. The researchers then went on to determine that the a-syn present in the lesions was nitrated, a sign of oxidative stress caused by free radical damage. The discovery should help researches to develop treatments to stop or slow oxidative damage, and therefore slow or reverse the progression of such illnesses.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Science 2000; 290:985-989
