Study Finds Link Between Blood Components and Brain Disorders

A recent study published in the journal Cell Genomics uncovers a previously unknown genetic link between platelets and Parkinson’s disease.

A study by Mater Research, a leading Australian research company, analyzed data from large-scale genetic studies to improve understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships between blood counts and common neuropsychiatric disorders.

Dr Yuanhao Yang of the University of Queensland, who led the study along with UQ associate professor Jake Graten, said the study was based on reports of associations between a range of different blood counts and the risk of stroke, multiple sclerosis and depression.

“These results have sparked interest in the development of blood-based biomarkers for common brain diseases, but it is not clear if there is a genetic basis for these relationships. Our study revealed a wide range of genetic overlap between blood cell scores and 11 neurological and psychiatric disorders,” explained Dr. Yang.

The study showed that changes in the functional and physiological characteristics of blood cells are associated with a number of neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. Some phenotypic associations between blood cell traits and diagnoses of neuropsychiatric disorders have been shown to have a genetic basis in some cases, consistent with the causal influence of blood markers on disease.

“One notable finding was a causal relationship between increased platelet distribution width and risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that platelet factors may be potential biomarkers for early detection of Parkinson’s disease.”

“We have also identified several common genes using specific measurements of blood cells and brain diseases, some of which are targets for drugs approved for other conditions, and this represents the possibility of reusing these drugs to treat common brain diseases. “

Professor Graten said the findings “provide a basis for future work to improve the prevention and prognosis of common neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders.”

Source: Medical Express