Jan 13, 2026
3 min read
Breakthrough research evaluates whether mucus biological signals can predict neurodegenerative diseases
Massa, during the early diagnosis of Parkinson's with an olfaction test and a nasal swab
An intensive study examines whether bacterial markers in mucus can predict neurodegenerative disease
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MASSA-CARRARA - The initial results of the Arianna study were presented at the Apuan Hospital in Massa (Massa-Carrara), a research project that evaluates whether the combination of an olfactory test and a guided nasal swab can help identify useful biomarkers before the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Designed and coordinated by Carlo Marmani in collaboration with Prof. Gianluigi Sanuso and Prof. Mathilde Bongiani at the University of Verona to identify biological signals. Mucus can pave the way forTo pave early diagnostic paths and a more targeted clinical framework.
In a crowded conference room, after the organizational message from Dr. Alessandro Napolitano, Director of Neurology of the UOC at Apuan Hospital, the sessions were opened by Dr. Carlo Manfredi, President of the Dr. Ezio Pello Onlos Massa Foundation.Recalling the value of research in the field of medicine, Manfredi highlighted the presence of a large number of students from the Carrara Scientific High School who engage in the biology course with a biomedical orientation, as a tangible signal of investment in new generations and in culture.Scientifically defined.
In his speech, he reviewed the main aspects of Parkinson's disease, from its discovery to the factors associated with its onset, focusing on the role of the environment, lifestyle and epigenetic components in the development of neurodegenerative pathology.
Dr.Carlo Maremmani, one of the first neurologists to recognize the potential of hyposmia as a preclinical symptom of Parkinson's disease, explained the clinical-scientific motivations behind the Arianna Study.The idea, he explained, is to evaluate biomarkers that are studied using nasal swabs - performed after a breath test that can highlight a possible deficiency - can help identify a pre-motor stage of the disease.Luca Muscatello, director of the Otorhinolaryngology Unit of the Apuane Hospital and the Versilia Hospital, swabs nasal sprays that target the olfactory mucosa.The first treatment of the samples was carried out by Dr. Stefania Lombardi, director of the Clinical Laboratory at the Apuane Hospital, with her colleagues.
Professor Matilde Bongianni, a researcher from the University of Verona and a partner in the project, presented the first data from swabs performed on 305 healthy subjects and 60 patients with Parkinson's disease.Preliminary results show that the smell test effectively discriminates between hyposmic and normosmic subjects, and hyposmic subjects are very likely—about twice as likely—to test positive on a nasal swab.In addition, the smear shows high accuracy in the investigated biomarkers, especially in the identification of alpha-synuclein aggregates, which are related to the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease.The biological rationale, they recalled, is that these aggregates may also be present in neurons of the olfactory mucosa: neurons that regenerate over time and release cellular material in the upper part of the nasal cavity, precisely in the area where controlled sampling is performed.
Gianluigi Zanusso, professor at the Department of Neurology, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, recalled a mechanism common to many neurodegenerative diseases and derived the results from a clinical and pathophysiological point of view: changes in the function and conformation of certain proteins.Early detection of aggregates isolated from nasal swabs performed in the olfactory mucosa using in vitro amplification (Saa) methods is a promising approach for targeted clinical analyzes and strategies that may delay the onset of symptoms.
The preliminary results are very encouraging and the final phase of engagement with citizens interested in participating in the ARIANNA study is now open, which will conclude in early summer and help consolidate the project's database.The research was conducted in collaboration with the University of Verona, the National Research Center of Pisa, and the Dort Foundation. Ezio Pelù Onlus de Massa, Order of Doctors of Massa Carrara and ASL Toscana Nord Ovest, under the coordination of Dr. Carlo Maremmani, Department of Neurology, Apuane Hospital.For information and contact you can contact the Studio Arianna Secretariat at 376 195 8033 or write to [email protected].
A recording of the conference talks will be available on the Fondazione Dott website in the next few hours.Ezio Pelù Onlus.
