Do dopa-decarboxylase gene polymorphisms affect the motor response to L-dopa in Parkinson 's disease?
The rs921451 and rs3837091 polymorphisms of the DDC gene promoter influence the motor response to L-dopa but do not significantly change peripheral pharmacokinetic parameters for L-dopa and dopamine. Our results suggest that DDC may be a genetic modifier of the l-dopa response in Parkinson's disease.
Fecal lactoferrin is sensitive and specific for detecting inflammation in chronic IBD. This noninvasive test may prove useful in screening for inflammation in patients presenting with abdominal pain and diarrhea.