Sorry about paraphrasing James Carville, but this is yet another example of how researchers should be listening to people with PD. Some of us have been shouting this for quite a while.

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CHICAGO (Reuters) - A gene linked with the immune system may play a role in developing Parkinson's disease, researchers said on Sunday, marking a possible advance in the search for effective treatments.

They said a gene in the human leukocyte antigen region or HLA -- which contains a large number of genes related to immune system function -- was strongly linked with Parkinson's disease.

"That means the immune system probably plays a role in your body developing Parkinson's disease," said Dr. Cyrus Zabetian of the University of Washington and Veteran's Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, whose study appears in the journal Nature Genetics.

Zabetian said there had been hints that the immune system may be linked to Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disease that affects 1 to 2 percent of people over age 65.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67E11020100815

Caldeerster

I'm not surprised about the immune system but don't know anything about genes. Are there gene networks where if one gene malfunctions an entire network can be affected?

And where does the initial insult come from? Our parents? Or can they be damaged by pesticides and malfunction at any time? I associate genetic with hereditary. Is that incorrect?

Paula,
I am taking the liberty of answering your questions to the extent I understand. Caldeerster, please do answer and hope you don't mind me giving my two cents worth.

HLA genes make proteins involved in basic immune functions and each individual has his/her own set of genes. HLA is what makes you uniquely YOU, practically every cell in your body expresses this HLA protein. In some ways it is your biological equivalent of social security number, 20 digit social security number arranged in a rubic cube format is the simplest way to explain its complexicity. Some forms of HLA gene compositions result in immune system that helps to fight infections better, some fail to control inflammations and from this study it seems PD is associated with certain forms of HLA.
Paula, to answer your questions directly:
Yes there are numerous gene expression net works of immune system which are highly interdependent on one another, no different than any other system. So mal functioning gene can trigger a cascade of reactions and as for triggers, there are many to name, for eg., viral infections, bacterial infections, stress, nutritional deficiencies etc., (Rick's fav ones!)This paper confirms the concept/idea that has been hypothesized for years. I must say, this is not going to explain or cure PD by itself, but more like adding a big piece to the PD puzzle.

Girija

Girija,

I have a couple of questions and you seem to be well eqipped at answering these science questions, if you don't mind. I developed autoimmune type 1 diabetes at the age of 27. That was determined by an ANTI GAD antibody test that they ran on me to determine whether I was type 1 or 2. In my case, they weren't sure at first. I was initially put on two different oral medications for diabetes. The meds worked for a short time and then just stopped working. My doctor suspected that I was a type 1 and the ANTI GAD test proved it. I am the third person in two generations of my family that have developed diabetes this way. My Aunt was diagnosed at 27 and her daughter was diagnosed at 3 years old. From what I have read, it is pretty rare for type 1 diabetes to run in families. Type 2 is much more common in families. My Aunt died in her late 30's and her diabetic daughter died at the age of 27. I find myself wondering if they had lived longer lives if they might have been more succeptible to PD because of the autoimmune component related to their diabetes. What do you think about that?

I began having physical symptoms of PD at the age of 31, but I experienced non motor symptoms earlier than that. There is no history of PD in my family, although my Mom is having some strange issues with the toes of her right foot moving up and down on their own. I want her to see my Neurologist. Do you think that learning about the HLA in PD will make it easier to come up with some sort of blood test for PD that is similar to the ANTI GAD test?

This article just has my wheels spinning, so to speak. I have always wondered if my immune system played a role in me developing PD. I haven't been the same person since I developed the diabetes seven years ago. My body just feels off. Strange.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I appreciate any answers you might have, even if it's just and educated guess.

Sincerely,

Evonne

Girija,

Not too long after I was diagnosed with PD iI developed a a rash on my hand. After months of dermatologists with no answers my pcp had me tested for everything. The only thing of interest that turned up was the HLA b27 marker.

It turned out the rash was a fungus which meant it has nothing to do with anything, but my question is, is this the same "family' (?)you arre talking about here?

I have never had any of the named conditions listed in Wikipedia (my source for everything) except i do have osteoarthritis and have had both knees replaced due to it.