Lifestyle

Studies find link between genetics and Parkinson's

November 17, 2009 Edition 1

HONG KONG: People of Japanese and European descent who have mutant versions of five genes may be at higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, two large teams of researchers have found.

The two independent studies, published in the latest issue of Nature Genetics, involved more than 25 000 participants and are the largest studies to date to try to uncover genetic associations behind Parkinson's disease.

Meanwhile, heart-attack patients in need of emergency procedures were less likely to suffer further serious cardiovascular events, including death, when given an experimental drug, Brilinta blood clot preventer, than those who used Plavix, according to a study presented at the weekend.

AstraZeneca, maker of Brilinta, said patients were found to be at no greater risk of major bleeding than those taking Plavix and said this was an encouraging sign for drugs that work by preventing blood platelets from clumping together. - Reuters

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