Open Access

MINI REVIEW

Urinary Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease: Current Insights

Ilhong Son^1,2, Sun Jung Han², Dong Hwan Ho^1,3,*

1 InAm Neuroscience Research Center, Sanbon Medical Center, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, 321, Sanbon-ro, Gunpo-si, 15865, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
2 Department of Neurology, Sanbon Medical Center, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, 321, Sanbon-ro, Gunpo-si, 15865, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
3 Curahora Inc., #1002-43,683, Gosan-ro, Gunpo-si, 15802, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea

* Corresponding Author: Dong Hwan Ho. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: LRRK2 and Alpha-Synucleinopathy: Molecular Mechanisms in Neuroinflammation and Parkinson's Disease)

BIOCELL 2025, 49(12), 2283-2297. https://doi.org/10.32604/biocell.2025.071119

Received 31 July 2025; Accepted 25 September 2025; Issue published 24 December 2025

Abstract

The potential of urinary biomarkers to facilitate non-invasive monitoring of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a promising avenue, offering insights into the complex pathophysiology of the disease. The aggregation of α-synuclein, a central feature of PD, can be detected in urine, providing a diagnostic clue. Mutations in the LRRK2 gene, associated with increased kinase activity, can be estimated through the measurement of phosphorylated LRRK2 (pS1292) in urine. Oxidative stress, a hallmark of PD, is reflected in elevated levels of oxidized DJ-1 (oxDJ-1) in urine. Beyond these core biomarkers, other urinary components like DOPA decarboxylase, acetyl phenylalanine, tyrosine, kynurenine, and oxidized DNA (8-OHdG) are under investigation. These markers reflect diverse pathophysiological processes, including dopamine metabolism, amino acid alterations, and oxidative DNA damage, offering a more comprehensive understanding of PD progression. The potential clinical applications of these biomarkers are significant, including early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. The development of a robust panel of urinary biomarkers has the potential to assist PD diagnosis and management, enabling earlier interventions and personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

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Keywords

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