LRRK2 affects vesicle trafficking, neurotransmitter extracellular level and membrane receptor localization

The leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene was found to play a role in the pathogenesis of both familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 encodes a large multi-domain protein that is expressed in different tissues. To date, the physiological and pathological functions of LRRK2 are not clearly defined. In this study we have explored the role of LRRK2 in controlling vesicle trafficking in different cellular or animal models and using various readouts. In neuronal cells, the presence of LRRK2(G2019S) pathological mutant determines increased extracellular dopamine levels either under basal conditions or upon nicotine stimulation. Moreover, mutant LRRK2 affects the levels of dopamine receptor D1 on the membrane surface in neuronal cells or animal models. Ultrastructural analysis of PC12-derived cells expressing mutant LRRK2(G2019S) shows an altered intracellular vesicle distribution. Taken together, our results point to the key role of LRRK2 to control vesicle trafficking in neuronal cells

Treatment of Sydenham's chorea with a combination of L-dopa and a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor.

Two male patients suffering from Sydenham's chorea were treated with a combination of L-Dopa and a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor. This treatment markedly reduced in one patient and totally suppressed in the other the abnormal involuntary movements present in this disease

Effects of Physical Activity on Propensity for Sustainable Trips

Recent statistics about the low level of participation by individuals in physical activities as well as a generalized propensity to use private vehicles have broadened the scope of transport studies to the sphere of health and well-being. The current shift in travel demand modeling to the activity-based paradigm is central to investigating which population segment is more likely to opt for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient vehicles, alternative modes of transport, and a rational use of the motor car. A mixed, joint Tobit–probit model analyzes the effects of time allocation for daily activity on the propensity to sustainable trips. The model is applied to a sample of workers and students age 14 and older, drawn from a time-use survey conducted in Turin, Italy, and its metropolitan area. The analysis suggests the presence of self-selection effects between active lifestyles and sustainable mandatory trips. The model predictions highlight the substantial contribution of transportation interventions in getting individuals to engage in healthier behaviors