Efficient synthesis and unit-selective π-extension of π-fused [4.3.3]propellane as a chiral building block.

A three-dimensional skeleton, π-fused [4.3.3]propellane, was constructed and derivatized by selective π-extension at the two naphthalene units. The obtained propellanes existed as stereoisomers different in spatial arrangement, one of which displayed a chiroptical response originating from through-space interactions between 5-azachrysenes in a skew position.

Real-time chirality transfer monitoring from statistically random to discrete homochiral nanotubes.

Real time monitoring of chirality transfer processes is necessary to better understand their kinetic properties. Herein, we monitor an ideal chirality transfer process from a statistically random distribution to a diastereomerically pure assembly in real time. The chirality transfer is based on discrete trimeric tubular assemblies of planar chiral pillar[5]arenes, achieving the construction of diastereomerically pure trimers of pillar[5]arenes through synergistic effect of ion pairing between a racemic rim-differentiated pillar[5]arene pentaacid bearing five benzoic acids on one rim and five alkyl chains on the other, and an optically resolved pillar[5]arene decaamine bearing ten amines. When the decaamine is mixed with the pentaacid, the decaamine is sandwiched by two pentaacids through ten ion pairs, initially producing a statistically random mixture of a homochiral trimer and two heterochiral trimers. The heterochiral trimers gradually dissociate and reassemble into the homochiral trimers after unit flipping of the pentaacid, leading to chirality transfer from the decaamine and producing diastereomerically pure trimers.

Oligoarginine-Bearing Tandem Repeat Penetration-Accelerating Sequence Delivers Protein to Cytosol via Caveolae-Mediated Endocytosis.

To facilitate the cytosolic delivery of larger molecules such as proteins, we developed a new cell-penetrating peptide sequence, named Pas2r12, consisting of a repeated Pas sequence (FFLIG-FFLIG) and d-dodeca-arginine (r12). This peptide significantly enhanced the cellular uptake and cytosolic release of enhanced green fluorescent protein and immunoglobulin G as cargos. We found that simply mixing Pas2r12 with cargos could generate cytosolic introducible forms. The cytosolic delivery of cargos by Pas2r12 was found to be an energy-requiring process, to rely on actin polymerization, and to be suppressed by caveolae-mediated endocytosis inhibitors (genistein and methyl-ß-cyclodextrin) and small interfering RNA against caveolin-1. These results suggest that Pas2r12 enhances membrane penetration of cargos without the need for cross-linking and that caveolae-mediated endocytosis may be the route by which cytosolic delivery is enhanced.

Suppression of cell cycle progression by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor PJ34 in neural stem/progenitor cells.

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) express higher levels of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) than mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Inhibition of PARP induces the expression of several genes in the p53 signaling pathway, including p21, which is critical for cell cycle control at the G1/S phase, triggers apoptosis, and suppresses cell cycle progression in NSPCs. However, upon the up-regulation of p21, the cell cycle does not arrest at any specific phase. In the present study, the expression of genes specific to the G1/S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle were analyzed following treatment with PJ34 (N-[6-oxo-5,6-dihydro-phenanthridin-2-yl]-N,N-dimethylacetamide), an inhibitor of PARP. PJ34 treatment dramatically down-regulated cyclin B1 expression in NSPCs, but not in MEFs, which was confirmed by a promoter assay. Down-regulation of FoxM1 and B-MYB revealed that the down-regulation of cyclin B occurs at the transcriptional level. GADD45 was also specifically up-regulated in NSPCs. Taken together, the activation of p53 by PJ34 treatment in NSPCs induced changes in the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis revealed that PJ34 treatment suppressed G2/M to G1 progression in NSPCs, but not in MEFs. These data indicate that PJ34 treatment inhibits cyclin expression at the mRNA level and suppresses cell cycle progression in NSPCs.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors activate the p53 signaling pathway in neural stem/progenitor cells.

BACKGROUND: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), which catalyzes poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of proteins by using NAD+ as a substrate, plays a key role in several nuclear events, including DNA repair, replication, and transcription. Recently, PARP-1 was reported to participate in the somatic cell reprogramming process. Previously, we revealed a role for PARP-1 in the induction of neural apoptosis in a cellular model of cerebral ischemia and suggested the possible use of PARP inhibitors as a new therapeutic intervention. In the present study, we examined the effects of PARP inhibitors on neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) of the mouse brain. RESULTS: PARP-1 was more abundant and demonstrated higher activity in NSPCs than in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Treatment with PARP inhibitors suppressed the formation of neurospheres by NSPCs through the suppression of cell cycle progression and the induction of apoptosis. In order to identify the genes responsible for these effects, we investigated gene expression profiles by microarray analyses and found that several genes in the p53 signaling pathway were upregulated, including Cdkn1a, which is critical for cell cycle control, and Fas, Pidd, Pmaip1, and Bbc3, which are principal factors in the apoptosis pathway. Inhibition of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation increased the levels of p53 protein, but not p53 mRNA, and enhanced the phosphorylation of p53 at Ser18. Experiments with specific inhibitors and also shRNA demonstrated that PARP-1, but not PARP-2, has a role in the regulation of p53. The effects of PARP inhibitors on NSPCs were not observed in Trp53 -/- NSPCs, suggesting a key role for p53 in these events. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the finding that PARP inhibitors facilitated the p53 signaling pathway, we propose that poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation contributes to the proliferation and self-renewal of NSPCs through the suppression of p53 activation.

Protective effect of cardioplegia with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibitor against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: in vitro study of isolated rat heart model.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 inhibitor has been suggested to attenuate the ischemia-reperfusion injury. We investigated the protective effect of the cardioplegia with a PARP-1 inhibitor, 4-hydoxyquinazoline (4-HQ), against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Isolated rat hearts were perfused on a Langendorff apparatus and cardioplegically arrested for 90 min by perfusion with St. Thomas' Hospital solution (ST-solution). In the Group ST (n = 8), the hearts were arrested with the ST-solution alone. The Group HQ (n = 8) were treated with the ST-solution containing 4-HQ (10 µM) for cardioplegia. During reperfusion, the Group HQ showed significantly greater functional recovery of +dp/dt(max) (p = 0.005) and lower enzymatic leakage (p < 0.01). NAD(+) levels were also preserved higher in the Group HQ (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemical study revealed lesser extents of oxidative stress and apoptosis, in the Group HQ. Thus, addition of 4-HQ in the cardioplegia may provide a new intervention for myocardial protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury by decreasing NAD(+) consumption and suppressing oxidative stress.

Mammalian selenocysteine lyase is involved in selenoprotein biosynthesis.

Selenocysteine lyase (SCL) catalyzes the decomposition of L-selenocysteine to yield L-alanine and selenium by acting exclusively on l-selenocysteine. The X-ray structural analysis of rat SCL has demonstrated how SCL discriminates L-selenocysteine from L-cysteine on the molecular basis. SCL has been proposed to function in the recycling of the micronutrient selenium from degraded selenoproteins containing selenocysteine residues, but the role of SCL in selenium metabolism in vivo remains unclear. We here demonstrate that the (75)Se-labeling efficiency of selenoproteins with (75)Se-labeled selenoprotein P (Sepp1) as a selenium source was decreased in HeLa cells transfected with SCL siRNA as compared to the cells transfected with control siRNA. Immunocytochemical analyses showed high SCL expression in kidney and liver cells, where selenocysteine is recovered from selenoproteins. Mature testes of mice exhibited a specific staining pattern of SCL in spermatids that actively produce selenoproteins. However, SCL was weakly expressed in Sertoli cells, which receive Sepp1 and supply selenium to germ cells. These demonstrate that SCL occurs in the cells requiring selenoproteins, probably to recycle selenium derived from selenoproteins such as Sepp1.

Inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 attenuates the toxicity of carbon tetrachloride.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) is routinely used as a model compound for eliciting centrilobular hepatotoxicity. It can be bioactivated to the trichloromethyl radical, which causes extensive lipid peroxidation and ultimately cell death by necrosis. Overactivation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) can rapidly reduce the levels of ß-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and adenosine triphosphate and ultimately promote necrosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether inhibition of PARP-1 could decrease CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity, as measured by degree of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipid peroxidation, and oxidative DNA damage. For this purpose, male ICR mice were administered intraperitoneally a hepatotoxic dose of CCl(4) with or without 6(5H)-phenanthridinone, a potent inhibitor of PARP-1. Animals treated with CCl(4) exhibited extensive poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in centrilobular hepatocytes, elevated serum levels of LDH, and increased lipid peroxidation. In contrast, animals treated concomitantly with CCl(4) and 6(5H)-phenanthridinone showed significantly lower levels of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, serum LDH, and lipid peroxidation. No changes were observed in the levels of oxidative DNA damage regardless of treatment. These results demonstrated that the hepatotoxicity of CCl(4) is dependent on the overactivation of PARP-1 and that inhibition of this enzyme attenuates the hepatotoxicity of CCl(4).

Transferrin receptor-dependent cytotoxicity of artemisinin-transferrin conjugates on prostate cancer cells and induction of apoptosis.

Artemisinin, a natural product isolated from Artemisia annua, contains an endoperoxide group that can be activated by intracellular iron to generate toxic radical species. Cancer cells over-express transferrin receptors (TfR) for iron uptake while most normal cells express nearly undetectable levels of TfR. We prepared a series of artemisinin-tagged transferrins (ART-Tf) where different numbers of artemisinin units are attached to the N-glycoside chains of transferrin (Tf). The Tf bearing approximately 16 artemisinins retains the functionality of both Tf and artemisinin. Reduction of TfRs by TfR siRNA transfection significantly impaired the ability of ART-Tf, but not dihydroartemisinin, to kill cells. We also demonstrate that the ART-Tf conjugate kills the prostate carcinoma cell line DU 145 by the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis.

The commonality of protein interaction networks determined in neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs).

MOTIVATION: Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are progressive and fatal disorders, which are commonly characterized by the intracellular or extracellular presence of abnormal protein aggregates. The identification and verification of proteins interacting with causative gene products are effective ways to understand their physiological and pathological functions. The objective of this research is to better understand common molecular pathogenic mechanisms in NDDs by employing protein-protein interaction networks, the domain characteristics commonly identified in NDDs and correlation among NDDs based on domain information. RESULTS: By reviewing published literatures in PubMed, we created pathway maps in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) for the protein-protein interactions in six NDDs: Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) and prion disease (PRION). We also collected data on 201 interacting proteins and 13 compounds with 282 interactions from the literature. We found 19 proteins common to these six NDDs. These common proteins were mainly involved in the apoptosis and MAPK signaling pathways. We expanded the interaction network by adding protein interaction data from the Human Protein Reference Database and gene expression data from the Human Gene Expression Index Database. We then carried out domain analysis on the extended network and found the characteristic domains, such as 14-3-3 protein, phosphotyrosine interaction domain and caspase domain, for the common proteins. Moreover, we found a relatively high correlation between AD, PD, HD and PRION, but not ALS or DRPLA, in terms of the protein domain distributions. AVAILABILITY: http://www.genome.jp/kegg/pathway/hsa/hsa01510.html (KEGG pathway maps for NDDs).

6,(5H)-phenanthridinone protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced cytotoxicity in human HepG2 cells.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a compound associated with free radical mediated hepatotoxicity in humans and laboratory animals. Previous research indicates that the cytotoxicity caused by CCl4 may be mediated by the rapid induction of PARP-1, a nuclear repair enzyme, which results in celluar depletion of NAD+ and ATP. Animal models indicate that the inhibition of PARP-1 after CCl4 exposure will attenuate cytotoxicity in mouse hepatocytes. In this investigation, the potential hepatoprotective effects of the PARP-1 inhibitor 6,(5H)-phenanthridinone against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was tested in human cells from the HepG2 primary hepatoma cell line. Cytotoxicity assay results indicate significant reductions in cell death with treatment of 20uM and 40uM solutions of 6,(5H)-phenanthridinone. PARP-1 activity assay results confirm that these protective effects correspond to the inhibition of PARP-1 by 6,(5H)-phenanthridinone. The findings in this study indicate that the effect of PARP-1 inhibition on cytotoxicity in human hepatocytes after CCl4 insult is consistent with the effect of PARP-1 inhibition on cytotoxicity found in animal models.

Mitochondrial impairment induced by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 activation in cortical neurons after oxygen and glucose deprivation.

Neuronal cells injured by ischemia and reperfusion to a certain extent are committed to death in necrotic or apoptotic form. Necrosis is induced by gross ATP depletion or 'energy crisis' of the cell, whereas apoptosis is induced by a mechanism still to be defined in detail. Here, we investigated this mechanism by focusing on a DNA damage-sensor, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). A 2-h oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by reoxygenation (Reox) induced apoptosis, rather than necrosis, in rat cortical neurons. During the Reox, PARP-1 was much activated and autopoly(ADP-ribosyl)ated, consuming the substrate, NAD+. Induction of apoptosis by OGD/Reox was suppressed by overexpression of Bcl-2, indicating mitochondrial impairment in this induction process. Mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), or membrane depolarization, and a release of proapoptotic proteins, i.e. cytochrome c, apoptosis-inducing factor and endonuclease G, from mitochondria were observed during the Reox. These apoptotic changes of mitochondria and the nucleus were attenuated by PARP-1 inhibitors, 1,5-dihydroxyisoquinoline and benzamide, and also by small interfering RNA specific for PARP-1. These results indicated that PARP-1 plays a principal role in inducing mitochondrial impairment that ultimately leads to apoptosis of neurons after cerebral ischemia.

The effects of organic solvents on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 activity: implications for neurotoxicity.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1; EC 2.4.2.30), also termed as poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, is a key enzyme in the recognition and repair of damaged DNA. Several conditions (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion or chemical-induced injury) have been shown to overactivate PARP-1, causing neurodegeneration and necrotic or apoptotic cell death from NAD+ and ATP depletion. In contrast, inhibitors of PARP-1 have been shown to have a neuroprotective effect by ameliorating this response. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of three routinely used organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) on the activity of purified PARP-1. A dose-response was examined with each of these solvents. A 112% and 82% increase in PARP-1 activity was observed with 15% ethanol and 20% methanol, respectively. In contrast, a near 20% decrease in the activity was observed with 4% DMSO. Kinetic analysis revealed that the maximal velocity remained unchanged with increasing concentrations of DMSO up to 20%, indicating that DMSO is a competitive inhibitor of PARP-1. Thus, PARP-1 inhibition by DMSO depends on NAD+ concentration and in some pathological processes might be significant even at low DMSO concentrations. Our findings suggest that the interpretation of data from dose-response studies obtained when using common organic solvents may be dramatically skewed, either exaggerating the inherent toxicity of the compound or masking its potential for damage.

Cellular uptake of arginine-rich peptides: roles for macropinocytosis and actin rearrangement.

The use of membrane-permeable peptides as carrier vectors for the intracellular delivery of various proteins and macromolecules for modifying cellular function is well documented. Arginine-rich peptides, including those derived from human immunodeficiency virus 1 Tat protein, are among the representative classes of these vectors. The internalization mechanism of these vector peptides and their protein conjugates was previously regarded as separate from endocytosis, but more recent reevaluations have concluded that endocytosis is involved in their internalization. In this report, we show that the uptake of octa-arginine (R8) peptide by HeLa cells was significantly suppressed by the macropinocytosis inhibitor ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA) and the F-actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin D, suggesting a role for macropinocytosis in the uptake of the peptide. In agreement with this we observed that treatment of the cells with R8 peptide induced significant rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. The internalization efficiency and contribution of macropinocytosis were also observed to have a dependency on the chain length of the oligoarginine peptides. Uptake of penetratin, another representative peptide carrier, was less sensitive to EIPA and penetratin did not have such distinct effects on actin localization. The above observations suggest that penetratin and R8 peptides have distinct internalization mechanisms.

Prevention of myocardial reperfusion injury by poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase inhibitor, 3-aminobenzamide, in cardioplegic solution: in vitro study of isolated rat heart model.

OBJECTIVE: Cardioplegic arrest remains the method of choice for myocardial protection in cardiac surgery. Poly(adenosine 5'-diphosphate-ribose) synthetase (PARS) inhibitor has been suggested to attenuate the ischemia-reperfusion injury in myocardial infarction by preventing energy depletion associated with oxidative stress. We investigated the efficacy of a cardioplegic solution containing a PARS inhibitor, 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB), for myocardial protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by cardioplegic arrest. METHODS: Isolated hearts were set on a Langendorff apparatus and perfused. The hearts were arrested for 90 min with a cardioplegic solution given at 30-min intervals and then reperfused for 20 min. The hearts of rat in the 3-AB(-) group (n = 8) were perfused with a standard cardioplegic solution and terminal warm cardoplegia, whereas the 3-AB(+) group (n = 8) received these solutions supplemented with 3-AB (100 microM). Left ventricular function and release of cardiac enzymes were monitored before and after cardioplegic arrest. After reperfusion, NAD+ (nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide) levels were assessed, and the tissues were examined immunohistochemically for oxidative stress and apoptosis. RESULTS: During reperfusion, the 3-AB(+) group showed significantly higher (P = 0.005)dp/dt and lower creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level and glucotamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) in the effluent (CPK; P = 0.003 GOT; P < 0.001) The cardiomyocytes of the 3-AB(+) group also preserved a higher NAD+ level (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical study of oxidative stress revealed a lesser extent (P = 0.007) of nuclear staining and a lower fraction of apoptosis in the 3-AB(+) group. CONCLUSION: Cardioplegic solution supplemented with 3-AB provides efficient myocardial protection in cardioplegic ischemic reperfusion by suppressing oxidative stress and overactivation of PARS.

Septin 3 gene polymorphism in Alzheimer's disease.

Septin 3 is a novel member of the septin subfamily of GTPase domain proteins that was recently identified in human neuronal cells. These proteins are involved in vesicle trafficking, neurite outgrowth, and neurofibrillary tangle formation; however, the expression and functional role of septin 3 in normal neuronal tissues and as an etiological agent in neurological disorders is currently unclear. To further characterize these parameters, the present study analyzed the expression of three isoforms of septin 3 (A, B, and C) in fetal and adult human brains and polymorphism of the septin 3 exon 11 microsatellite in control, pure Alzheimer's disease (AD), Lewy body variant (LBV) of AD, and Parkinson's disease. Septin 3 mRNAs for isoforms A and B, but not C, were detected in the frontal cortex of fetus and adult human samples, as measured by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction. Genotype analyses indicated that polymorphic septin 3 alleles were distributed in two peaks of frequency in both control and disease groups. Categorization of the alleles into short (S) and long (L) types revealed a significant difference between AD patients and controls (p = 0.034 by chi-square test). Furthermore, the S-allele homozygosity was significantly underrepresented in AD compared with control (p = 0.015 by chi-square test). These results suggest that polymorphism in exon 11 of septin 3 may have a determinative role in the pathogenesis of AD.

Expression of septin 3 isoforms in human brain.

Septin 3 is a novel member of the septin subfamily of GTPase domain proteins. Human septin 3 was originally cloned during a screening of genes expressed in human teratocarcinoma cells induced to differentiate with retinoic acid. Alternative splicing of the septin 3 gene transcript produces two isoforms, A and B, in the human brain, though their regional expression and physiological function remain to be determined. The purpose of the present study was to identify the expression patterns of human septin 3 isoforms in normal human brain and a human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y, after retinoic acid-induced differentiation. The expression and distribution patterns of septin 3 isoforms A and B were similar and resembled that of another septin, CDCrel-1. Septin 3A and 3B were expressed in normal human brain in a region-specific manner, with the highest level in the temporal cortex and hippocampus and the lowest level in the brainstem regions. Prominent immunoreactivity was observed diffusely in the neocortices in association with neuropils and punctate structures suggestive of synaptic junctions. Immunoprecipitation studies revealed that septin 3A, 3B, and CDCrel-1 form a complex in the frontal cortex of human brain. These findings, taken together, suggest that septin 3A and 3B, along with CDCrel-1, play some fundamental role(s) in synaptogenesis and neuronal development.

Hepatoprotective effects of 6(5H)-phenanthridinone from chemical-induced centrilobular necrosis.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a nuclear enzyme involved in the detection of DNA strand termini. Extensive cellular damage can overactivate PARP-1, which rapidly depletes the cellular stores of NAD+ and ATP, resulting in necrotic cell death. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether 6(5H)-phenanthridinone, a potent inhibitor of PARP-1, could attenuate the hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Male ICR mice treated via the intraperitoneal route with CCl4 exhibited severe necrotic centrilobular lesions and significantly elevated serum transaminases. In contrast, the histopathology and serum biochemistry of animals treated concomitantly with CCl4 and 6(5H)-phenanthridinone were not significantly different versus controls. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that the hepatotoxicity of CCl4 can be blocked independently of its metabolism and suggest the predominant role of PARP-1 overactivation in chemical-induced toxicity.

Overexpression of CYP2D6 attenuates the toxicity of MPP+ in actively dividing and differentiated PC12 cells.

Clonal pheochromocytoma cell lines overexpressing cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) were established. CYP2D6 was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, and its enzymatic activity in the microsomal fraction was confirmed by using high performance liquid chromatography analysis with [guanidine-14C]debrisoquine as a substrate. Overexpression of CYP2D6 protected both actively dividing and differentiated cells against the toxic effects of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion at the concentration range of 20-40 microM, as assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The production of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria was suppressed. The cytotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine was unchanged in both actively dividing and differentiated cells overexpressing CYP2D6 versus mock-transfected controls at concentrations up to 500 microM. These results suggest that the lowered enzyme activity of CYP2D6 in individuals termed "poor metabolizers" may represent a risk factor from exposure to select neurotoxicants.

Parkinson's disease and CYP2D6 polymorphism in Asian populations: A meta-analysis.

Polymorphism of CYP2D6 and its relationship with the development of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been controversial. The distribution of the B-mutation of CYP2D6, a mutation that results in the absence of a functional protein, differs by ethnicity and accounts for less than 1% of the 'poor metabolizer' phenotype in Asians. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted to determine if polymorphism, other than the B-mutation, within the CYP2D6 gene confers a greater susceptibility to PD outcome among Asian populations. Eleven studies were identified, two of which were excluded due to unavailability in the English language or availability of the same original data in more detail in another publication. None of the studies showed a statistically significant association between CYP2D6 polymorphism and PD (p<0.05). The overall odds ratio was 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.66-1.08). We conclude that among Asian populations, there is no convincing evidence of an association between CYP2D6 polymorphism and the risk of developing PD.