A study reported in the journal Communications Medicine by a team of scientists revealed the development of a new technology that may detect Parkinsons disease in urine samples.

They employed the EVtrap (Extracellular Vesicles complete recovery and purification) technique for urine analysis which allows researchers to evaluate if there is change in the downstream pathways of these LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) proteins which have been related to Parkinsons disease, among patients. 

Every year around a million Americans, with 90,000 new instances of Parkinsons disease are being recorded. Additionally it takes more than a year to detect defects related and confirm cognitive and movement testing. Molecular diagnostics for early detection and management can benefit patients with Parkinsons disease more quickly.

Tracking the biological route of LRRK2 is one of several approaches to evaluate its impact, which may be done by analyzing urine, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid. The EVtrap technology made it simple to follow changes in urine, which is collected for a variety of clinical research. The researchers looked at samples from persons with and without the LRRK2 gene mutation, as well as from patients with and without the condition.

Experts showed keen interest in observing the expression of an essential Parkinsons disease-linked protein, LRRK2. It enabled the researchers to determine if LRRK2 proteins or the downstream pathways they impact are altered in urine samples from Parkinsons patients who had a gene mutation. These are concentrated or filtered into urine after leaving the brain and entering circulation. 

The study results reveal that previously undetectable biomarkers have been detected and can be significantly helpful in distinguishing non-disease states from diseases condition. Hence experts are of the view that such study offers up a new avenue in the progress of noninvasive diagnostics.

(Study: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230517/New-technique-may-reveal-signs-of-Parkinsons-disease-in-urine-samples.aspx)