Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Neurosurgery

The etiology of sporadic parkinson{u2019}s disease (PD) is largely unknown. The contribution of genetic factors to the pathogenesis of PD is supported by the demonstration of the high concordance in twins, increased risk among relatives of PD patients, the existence of familial PD and parkinsonism based on single gene defects. This study aimed to assess the relation between the polymorphisms of interleukin 18 (IL - 18) gene promoter and the incidence of idiopathic PD, and whether these polymorphisms have an impact on clinical presentation or disease severity. Forty - five subjects were included in the study; thirty patients suffering from idiopathic Parkinson{u2019}s disease and fifteen age and sex matched healthy control subjects. Patients were subjected to complete clinical examination and routine laboratory workup. The severity of parkinsonism was assessed using the unified parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS). Genetic testing for the IL - 18 gene promoter - 607C / A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) was done for patients and controls using real time polymerase chain reaction PCR technique

Issued also as CD