Applications

 

The results of this experiment have a variety of applications. MPP+ only induces α-synuclein expression in higher amounts than used in this experiment. The effectiveness of this neurotoxin in a realistic Parkinson’s disease model should be further investigated.

The amount of α-synuclein expression in the cells treated with guanosine was low, further proving the potential of guanosine as a neuroprotective agent in a variety of applications. Although guanosine does not reach the brain in substantial amounts after ingestion, synthetic purine derivatives such as AIT-082 do.

There is presently no cure for Parkinson’s disease and the prolonged use of most currently available drugs can result in adverse side effects, such as dyskinesia. This demonstrates the importance of research that moves towards an effective cure for Parkinson’s disease.

In Canada, Parkinson’s disease is one of the major neurological diseases affecting the population. Nearly 100 000 Canadians have Parkinson’s disease and the total cost of Parkinson’s disease in Canada each year is $558.1 million. The current economic impact of Parkinson’s is approximately $23 per Canadian, per year. Parkinson’s also represents a higher economic burden for seniors. Its impact will continue to increase with Canada’s aging population.

Every person deserves to enjoy the benefits of good-health. Parkinson’s disease is a very difficult neurological disorder to live with, and many patients rely on a variety of support services and professionals to live day to day. All of these professionals and Parkinson’s disease patients themselves could potentially be interested in the results of this experiment.

As previously mentioned this experiment in the area of Parkinson’s disease is valuable because it moves closer towards determining an effective cure for it. As shown by the information above, the economic burden presented by the costs associated with Parkinson’s disease weighs heavily on both individuals and governments. The most significant burden however, is on the patients who live with Parkinson’s disease daily, and this experiment aimed to alleviate that burden.