Work

Impact of anti-VZV IgG levels on Parkinson’s disease risk and progression: a Mendelian randomization analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Research suggests a potential link between varicella zoster virus (VZV) and Parkinson's disease (PD), but the causal relationship between anti-VZV IgG levels and PD is not well understood. Using two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR), we assessed the causal impact of anti-VZV IgG levels on PD risk and progression. Our study found a significant association between higher anti-VZV IgG levels and an increased risk of PD. For PD progression, higher anti-VZV IgG levels were linked to a greater risk of constipation, insomnia, and Restless Legs. These findings remained consistent after sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, our study suggests that elevated anti-VZV IgG levels may contribute to an increased risk and progression of PD, supporting a potential causal link that warrants further mechanistic investigation.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-96382-z