Altered expression of autophagic genes in the peripheral leukocytes of patients with sporadic Parkinson's disease

► The levels of a few autophagy marker were evaluated in sporadic PD patients. ► LAMP-2 gene expression was significantly reduced in the peripheral leukocytes. ► LC3 gene expression and LC3-II protein levels were significantly elevated. ► Molecular mechanisms for altered LC3 and LAMP-2 gene expression were discussed.