Evaluating the SERCA2 and VEGF mRNAs as Potential Molecular Biomarkers of the Onset and Progression in Huntington's Disease.

Abnormalities of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and signalling as well as the down-regulation of neurotrophic factors in several areas of the central nervous system and in peripheral tissues are hallmarks of Huntington's disease (HD). As there is no therapy for this hereditary, neurodegenerative fatal disease, further effort should be made to slow the progression of neurodegeneration in patients through the definition of early therapeutic interventions. For this purpose, molecular biomarker(s) for monitoring disease onset and/or progression and response to treatment need to be identified.

[Gaetano Perusini (1879-1915): his contribution to the description of Alzheimer's disease].

In 1906 Perusini began his scientific career publishing three papers. These articles were important for the understanding of degenerative dementia. Perusini studied the difference between Senile and Presenile Dementia.