Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and Parkinson's disease in a population with high ultraviolet radiation exposure.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been reported in Parkinson's disease (PD). Epidemiologic studies examining variability in genes involved in vitamin D metabolism have not taken into account level of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We examined whether exposure to UVR (as a surrogate for vitamin D levels) and variations in the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) are associated with PD.

Methods

Within a geographical information system (GIS) we linked participants' geocoded residential address data to ground level UV data to estimate historical exposure to UVR. Six SNPs in VDR were genotyped in non-Hispanic Caucasian subjects.

Results

Average lifetime UVR exposure levels were >5000 Wh/m(2), which was higher than levels for populations in previ

SUBMITTER: Gatto NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4478085 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature