The Importance of Increased Serum Ornithine Levels in the Pathogenesıs of Alzheımer and Parkınson’s Dıseases

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of enzymes and ornithine involved in the synthesis of polyamines in patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and to see their positive or negative effects on the modulation of the immune system.

Methods: Thirty-five healthy subjects as a control group and 35 patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease were included in this study. Determination of Ornithine decarboxylase, Arginine Decarboxylase and Agmatinase levels were evaluated by using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Elisa kit). Ornithine levels were measured spectrophotometrically.

Results: When ornithine levels of Alzheimer and Parkinson patients were compared to the control group, differences were found as significant (p<0.05). On the other hand, when Ornithine decarboxylase, Arginine Decarboxylase, Agmatinase levels of Alzheimer and Parkinson patients were compared to the control group, the differences were found as insignificant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Although the enzyme levels in the pathway of polyamine synthesis in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases do not change, the increase in ornithine level will not contribute to the fight

mode of the immune system. On the contrary, it may change plasticity by increasing osmolality.