Liming Zhang, Cheng Yu, Zhuo Chen, Xiaoli Liang, Hui Huang
Department of Neurology, Huaibei Peoples Hospital
- Corresponding Author: Hui Huang; E-mail: dawn927@126.com
Abstract
Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with metabolic abnormalities. Serum biomarkers such as uric acid (UA), homocysteine (Hcy), and cystatin C (Cys-C) may be involved in its pathogenesis and progression.
Objective
To evaluate the associations between serum UA, Hcy, and Cys-C levels and disease duration, severity, and cognitive function in patients with PD.
Methods
From January 2023 to December 2024, sixty patients diagnosed with PD and sixty age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. PD patients were further stratified by disease duration (<5 years vs. ≥5 years), Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage (mild vs. moderate-to-severe), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score (normal cognition vs. cognitive impairment). Serum levels of UA, Hcy, and Cys-C were compared among groups, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine their relationships with disease duration, H&Y stage, and MoCA score.
Results
Compared with healthy controls, PD patients exhibited significantly higher serum Hcy and Cys-C levels and lower UA levels (all P<0.01). Patients with longer disease duration, higher H&Y stage, or cognitive impairment showed elevated Hcy and Cys-C levels and reduced UA levels (P<0.01 for all comparisons). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that UA was negatively correlated with disease duration (r = –0.757, P<0.001), H&Y stage (r = –0.869, P<0.001), and MoCA score (r = –0.606, P<0.001), while Hcy and Cys-C were positively correlated with these indicators (all P<0.01).
Conclusion
Elevated serum Hcy and Cys-C and reduced UA levels are closely associated with PD progression and cognitive decline. These biomarkers may serve as valuable indicators for monitoring disease severity and guiding clinical management.
Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, serum uric acid, homocysteine, cystatin C, Hoehn and Yahr, cognitive function, disease duration