Physical Activity Effects on Mitochondrial Function in Parkinson's Disease (NCT05963425)

Trial Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| NCT Number | NCT05963425 |
| Status | ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING |
| Phase | Not Applicable |
| Sponsor | To be verified |
| Study Type | Interventional |
| Intervention | Physical Activity |
| Conditions | Parkinson's Disease |
| Outcome Measures | Mitochondrial function in skin fibroblasts |

Scientific Rationale

Physical Activity and Mitochondrial Health

Physical exercise has emerged as a potential disease-modifying intervention in Parkinson's disease. This study focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced neuroprotection, specifically through mitochondrial function modulation.

Key Rationale:

Trial Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| NCT Number | NCT05963425 |
| Status | ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING |
| Phase | Not Applicable |
| Sponsor | To be verified |
| Study Type | Interventional |
| Intervention | Physical Activity |
| Conditions | Parkinson's Disease |
| Outcome Measures | Mitochondrial function in skin fibroblasts |

Scientific Rationale

Physical Activity and Mitochondrial Health

Physical exercise has emerged as a potential disease-modifying intervention in Parkinson's disease. This study focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced neuroprotection, specifically through mitochondrial function modulation.

Key Rationale:

• PGC-1α (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha) upregulation
• AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) activation
• Increased mitochondrial DNA copy number
• Enhanced electron transport chain complex activity

Study Objectives

The primary objective is to determine whether physical activity interventions can improve mitochondrial function in Parkinson's disease patients, as measured in skin fibroblast cultures.

Methodology

Study Design

• Design: Interventional study
• Allocation: To be determined
• Intervention: Physical activity program
• Primary Outcome: Change in mitochondrial function parameters in skin fibroblasts

Assessment Parameters

Mitochondrial function assessments may include:

• Oxygen consumption rate (OCR)
• ATP production levels
• Mitochondrial membrane potential
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation
• Mitochondrial DNA copy number

Expected Outcomes Based on Mechanism

Primary Expected Outcomes

Based on the exercise-induced mitochondrial pathways, the study aims to demonstrate:

Mechanistic Rationale

The expected outcomes are derived from known exercise pathways:

• PGC-1α Activation: Master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis is activated by exercise
• AMPK Activation: Energy sensor activates catabolic pathways
• SIRT1 Activation: NAD+-dependent deacetylase enhances mitochondrial function

Cross-References to NeuroWiki Mechanisms

• [Mitochondrial Complex I Dysfunction](/mechanisms/mitochondrial-complex-i-dysfunction) — Target mechanism in PD
• [PGC-1α Pathway in Parkinson's](/mechanisms/pgc1alpha-parkinsons-pathway) — Exercise-activated pathway
• [AMPK Signaling in Neurodegeneration](/mechanisms/ampk-signaling-neurodegeneration) — Energy sensor pathway
• [Mitophagy Pathway](/mechanisms/mitophagy-pathway) — Mitochondrial quality control
• [Oxidative Stress in PD](/mechanisms/oxidative-stress-parkinsons) — ROS mechanism target

Therapeutic Implications

Exercise as Disease-Modifying Therapy

This trial addresses the critical question of whether exercise can genuinely modify disease progression in PD through mitochondrial mechanisms.

Potential Benefits:

• Non-pharmacological intervention with minimal side effects
• May enhance dopaminergic neuron survival
• Could improve motor and non-motor symptoms
• Accessible and cost-effective therapeutic approach

Implications for PD Treatment

Positive results would support:

• Integration of structured exercise programs in PD care
• Development of exercise-mimetic compounds
• Personalized exercise prescriptions based on mitochondrial biomarkers
• Combination approaches with existing pharmacological treatments

Related Pages

• [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
• [Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease](/mechanisms/mitochondrial-dysfunction-parkinsons)
• [Physical Exercise and Neuroprotection](/therapeutics/exercise-therapy-parkinsons)
• [PGC-1alpha Pathway](/mechanisms/pgc-1alpha-signaling)

References