CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The role of CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 has not been fully examined in Parkinson's disease (PD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of CXCL12/CXCR4 in the peripheral blood of patients with PD and healthy controls.

METHODS: CXCL12 serum levels and CXCR4 mRNA levels were measured in 30 PD patients and 40 controls using ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively.

RESULTS: CXCL12 serum levels were significantly higher in PD patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Moreover, CXCR4 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of PD patients was significantly increased compared to controls (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide new information on the expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 in PD. CXCR4 expression in PBMC or CXCL12 serum levels may be potential biomarkers of inflammation in PD patients.