Natale Antonio

Dr. Natale Antonio

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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13 October 2026 in Brain Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MBMichela Barichella
Michela Barichella
NANatale Antonio
Natale Antonio
ECElena Contaldi
Elena Contaldi
LMLuca Magistrelli
Luca Magistrelli
ECEmanuele Cereda
Emanuele Cereda
GPGianni Pezzoli
Gianni Pezzoli
Background/Objectives: Twins discordant for Parkinson’s disease (PD) share genetic background and early-life exposures, offering a model for non-genetic determinants of disease. We aimed to evaluate longitudinally the mortality, clinical and lifestyle features, nutritional status and dietary habits of a cohort of PD-discordant twins, with specific attention to the monozygotic (MZ) subgroup. Methods: One hundred and eight subjects from 54 PD-discordant twin pairs (26 MZ, 28 dizygotic [DZ]), with genetically confirmed zygosity, were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 10 years by telephone interview (T1; 33 pairs), using Kaplan–Meier/Cox survival analyses, a clinical and lifestyle history questionnaire, body mass index (BMI), and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: Ten-year mortality was markedly higher in PD (31.5% vs. 5.6%; HR 6.83), with all MZ deaths occurring in the affected twin. Constipation was more frequent in PD at both time points (T0 p = 0.004; T1 p = 0.011). Comorbidities, smoking, weight and BMI did not differ within pairs. Preserved-fish intake was stably lower in PD (T0 p = 0.021; T1 p = 0.004); fruit intake was lower in PD at baseline (MZ, p = 0.001) but higher at follow-up (p = 0.029). Conclusions: The mortality difference persisted despite no detected within-pair differences in BMI and comorbidities, consistent with a major contribution of PD itself. Preserved-fish intake remained stably lower in affected twins, whereas increased fruit intake at follow-up may reflect adaptation to constipation; these exploratory dietary findings warrant confirmation.