Is there any correlation between alpha-synuclein levels in tears and retinal layer thickness in Parkinson's disease?

Azyadeh Camacho-Ordonez, Amin Cervantes-Arriaga, Mayela Rodríguez-Violante, Ana Jimena Hernandez-Medrano, Selma Alin Somilleda-Ventura, Hector J. Pérez-Cano, Ángel Nava-Castañeda, Oscar Guerrero-Berger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the total alpha-synuclein (αSyn) reflex tears and its association with retinal layers thickness in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Fifty-two eyes of 26 PD subjects and 52 eyes of age-and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Total αSyn in reflex tears was quantified using a human total αSyn enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The retinal thickness was evaluated with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinsońs Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess motor, non-motor, and cognition. Results: In PD, total αSyn levels were increased compared to control subjects [1.76pg/mL (IQR 1.74–1.80) vs 1.73pg/mL (IQR 1.70–1.77), p < 0.004]. The nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, internal plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, and outer nuclear layer were thinner in PD in comparison with controls (p < 0.05). The outer plexiform layer and retinal pigment epithelium were thicker in PD (p < 0.05). The total αSyn levels positively correlated with the central volume of the inner nuclear layer (r = 0.357, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Total αSyn reflex tear levels were increased in subjects with PD compared to controls. PD patients showed significant thinning of the inner retinal layers and thickening of outer retinal layers in comparison with controls. Total αSyn levels positively correlate with the central volume of the inner nuclear layer in PD. The combination of these biomarkers might have a possible role as a diagnostic tool in PD subjects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)252-259
Number of pages8
JournalEuropean Journal of Ophthalmology
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Parkinson's disease
  • Total alpha-synuclein
  • optical coherence tomography
  • reflex tears
  • retinal layers

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Is there any correlation between alpha-synuclein levels in tears and retinal layer thickness in Parkinson's disease?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this