A virus long thought to be harmless may actually play a role in Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects more than one million Americans.Northwestern Medicine scientists discovered Human Pegivirus (HPgV) in the brains and spinal fluid of people with Parkinson’s, but not in those without the disease. The results challenge decades of assumptions about the virus.
“HPgV is a common,symptomless infection previously not known to frequently infect the brain,” Dr. Igor Koralnik, chief of neuroinfectious diseases at Northwestern, said in a press release.
“We were surprised to find it in the brains of Parkinson’s patients at such high frequency and not in the controls.”
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Researchers examined post-mortem## Common Virus May Be Linked to Parkinson’s Disease,Study Suggests
A common human virus,typically causing mild respiratory infections,may play a surprising role in the development of Parkinson’s disease,according to new research. scientists at Stanford University have found a potential link between Human Parainfluenza Virus (HPgV) and the neurodegenerative disorder.
The study, published in the journal *Cell*, examined brain tissue from deceased Parkinson’s patients and discovered the virus present in significant amounts in the substantia nigra – the area of the brain most affected by the disease. Researchers also examined blood samples of 1,000 people with Parkinson’s, in an effort to track the virus.
Even more striking: patients with a Parkinson’s-related mutation in the LRRK2 gene responded differently to HPgV than those without the mutation.
“This suggests it might very well be an environmental factor that interacts with the body in ways we didn’t realize before,” Koralnik said.
“It may influence how Parkinson’s develops, especially in people with certain genetic backgrounds.”
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Parkinson’s disease is the second most common brain disorder after Alzheimer’s, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. while a small percentage of cases are inherited, most patients don’t have a family history, and the cause has remained unknown.
Common Virus May Play Role in Parkinson’s Disease Development
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Nearly 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, and that number is projected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. New research suggests a previously considered harmless virus, Human Parechovirus type A (HPgV-A), may be linked to the development of the neurodegenerative disorder.
The Northwestern Study & HPgV-A
Researchers at Northwestern Medicine have discovered a potential connection between HPgV-A and Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in Cell, found the virus present in the brains of nearly all Parkinson’s patients examined. While the virus was also found in the brains of individuals without Parkinson’s, it appeared to be more prevalent and active in those with the disease.
“These findings suggest it may have critically important effects in the context of Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr.Richard Koralnik, a neurologist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and lead author of the study.
The research team utilized post-mortem brain tissue samples and advanced molecular techniques to identify the virus. They also conducted laboratory experiments demonstrating that HPgV-A could induce the clumping of alpha-synuclein, a protein known to accumulate in the brains of Parkinson’s patients and contribute to the disease’s progression.NIH News in health explains that these clumps, called Lewy bodies, disrupt brain function.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. Symptoms typically develop slowly and can include:
Tremor
Rigidity
Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
Postural instability
Loss of balance
Difficulty with speech and writing
While the exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, it’s believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and stroke (NINDS) provides extensive information on the disease, its causes, and current treatments.
Future Research & Implications
The Northwestern team is now planning to expand their study to investigate how frequently HPgV-A is found in people diagnosed with Parkinson’s compared to healthy individuals. they also aim to determine if other viruses may play a role in the disease’s development.
Researchers are notably interested in understanding the interplay between viruses and genes. Identifying these interactions could reveal how Parkinson’s begins and perhaps lead to new therapies. Dr. Koralnik emphasizes the importance of understanding these complex relationships, stating, “Insights that could reveal how Parkinson’s begins and could help guide future therapies.”
Key Takeaways:
A common virus, HPgV-A, has been found in the brains of Parkinson’s patients.
The virus may contribute to the clumping of alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to Parkinson’s.
* Further research is needed to understand the virus’s role in the disease and to develop potential therapies.
author: Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.