NLRP3 Inflammasome Validation Study in Parkinson's Disease

SUMMARY

# NLRP3 Inflammasome Validation Study in Parkinson's Disease ## Background and Rationale # NLRP3 Inflammasome Validation Study in Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's disease represents a significant neurodegenerative challenge characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. While genetic mutations account for only 5-10% of cases, emerging evidence suggests that neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of both familial and sporadic

METHODOLOGY NOTES

**Phase 1: Patient Recruitment and Characterization (Months 1-6)** • Recruit 120 PD patients (Hoehn & Yahr stages 1-3) and 60 age-matched healthy controls • Obtain informed consent and perform comprehensive clinical assessments (UPDRS-III, MoCA, Schwab & England ADL) • Collect demographic data, medication history, and disease duration • Perform DaTscan imaging to confirm dopaminergic deficit in PD patients • Exclude patients with atypical parkinsonism, dementia (MoCA <24), or immunosuppressive therapy **Phase 2: Biospecimen Collection and Processing (Months 2-8)** • Collect fasting blood samples (30ml) and CSF via lumbar puncture (15ml) from all participants • Isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation • Process CSF samples within 2 hours, aliquot and store at -80°C • Extract RNA and protein from PBMCs for inflammasome analysis • Perform flow cytometry on fresh PBMCs within 4 hours of collection **Phase 3: NLRP3 Inflammasome Activi