Background
Mutations in the parkin gene are the most common genetic cause of early-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD). Results from a multi-center study of cases with PD systematically sampled by age at onset (AAO) have not been reported.
Objective
To determine risk factors associated with carrying mutations in the parkin gene.
Design
Cross-sectional observational study
Setting
13 movement disorders centers
Participants
956 EOPD cases defined as AAO <51.
Main Outcome Measures
Presence of heterozygous, homozygous or compound heterozygous parkin mutations.
Results
14.7% of cases reported a family history of PD in a first-degree relative using a previously validated interview. Sixty-four cases (6.7%) had parkin mutations (3.9% heterozygous, 0.6% homozygotes, 2.2% compound heterozgyotes). Copy Number Variation (CNV) was present in 52.3% (31.6% of heterozygotes, 83.3% of homozygotes, 81.0% of compound heterozygotes). Deletions in exons 3–4 and 255delA, were common in Hispanics, and specifically, in the Puerto Rican population. Earlier AAO, Hispanic ethnicity (OR compared to White non-Hispanic 2.7 95% CI 1.3–5.7, p<0.009) and family history of PD in a first-degree relative (OR 2.8 95%CI 1.5–5.3, p<0.002) were associated with carrying any mutation in the parkin gene (heterozygous, homozygous, compound heterozygous). Hispanic ethnicity was associated with carrying a heterozygous mutation (OR compared to non-Hispanic Caucasian 2.8 95%CI 1.1–7.2, p<0.03) after adjustment for covariates.
Conclusion
AAO, Hispanic ethnicity and family history of PD are associated with carrying any parkin mutation (heterozygous, homozygous, compound heterozygous) and heterozygous mutations alone. The increased odds of carrying a parkin mutation in Hispanics warrants further study.



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