Efficacy of Oral Administration of Trehalose in Patients With Parkinson Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the neurodegeneration of substance nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the formation of alpha-synuclein protein aggregates in neurons. Although most PD patients are sporadic, it is now clear that genetic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of PD. Indeed, LRRK2 G2019S mutation is one of the most common causes of familial PD. The phenotype corresponding to this mutation is a late-onset form of PD characterized by the accumulation of the N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) in neurons. It is due to a dysfunction of the physiological autophagy processes occurring at cellular level, mainly affecting autophagy mediated by chaperone proteins (Chaperon Mediated Autophagy, CMA), responsible for the clearance of alpha synuclein at the lysosomal level. This condition, although sensitive to treatment with L-DOPA and dopamine agonists, does not currently have any specific therapy. Recently, in a mouse model carrying the LRRK2 mutation, it has been demonstrated that treatment with trehalose is able to reduce the accumulation of NSF deposits in neurons of various brain areas such as the substantia nigra, striatum, cortex and hippocampus. The reduction of protein aggregates correlates with intracellular molecules related to the activation of apoptotic processes in damaged neurons. Moreover, it has been found a significant improvement in motor and cognitive performance. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of trehalose in two groups of patients affected by idiopathic PD and PD carrying the LRRK2 mutation, respectively. Moreover, the investigators will collect preliminary data on the effect that this molecule potentially has on disease course in both groups. The treatment duration will be 24 weeks and the overall study duration approximately 12 months. The populations observed will be composed of subjects affected by idiopathic PD and familial PD carrying the genetically confirmed LRRK2 mutation. Enrolled subjects will daily take trehalose in oral administration. Safety will be assessed by detecting any adverse events and analyzing blood chemistry parameters. The effect of trehalose will be evaluated through periodic clinical examinations, including the administration of specific scales and questionnaires.