SUMMARY
# Exercise-BDNF-Mitophagy Biomarker Study in PD
## Background and Rationale
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration involving mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired cellular clearance mechanisms. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Exercise interventions have shown promise in PD management, potentially through BDNF-mediated enhancement of mitochondrial quality con
METHODOLOGY NOTES
Phase 1 (Weeks -2 to 0): Recruit 80 early-stage PD patients (Hoehn-Yahr stages 1-2), obtain informed consent, and complete baseline assessments including UPDRS-III, cognitive testing, and blood/CSF sampling. Phase 2 (Week 0): Randomize participants to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (n=40) or standard care control (n=40). Exercise group performs supervised treadmill/cycling sessions 3x/week, 45 minutes at 60-70% HRmax. Phase 3 (Weeks 1-12): Continue interventions with weekly monitoring. Collect blood samples at weeks 4, 8, and 12 for BDNF ELISA, mitochondrial respiration analysis using Seahorse XF analyzer, and Western blotting for PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II/I, and VDAC1. Perform CSF sampling at week 6 and 12. Phase 4 (Weeks 8-16): Conduct mid-point and final clinical assessments including UPDRS-III, 6-minute walk test, and quality of life measures. Phase 5 (Weeks 12-14): Complete final biomarker collection and perform comprehensive proteomics analysis of mitochondrial and autophagy pro