Gene Expression Changes on Extended Use of Dopamine Agonists in Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

The study aims to observe changes in dopaminergic genes expression in peripheral tissue upon prolonged dopamine agonist treatment on patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Similar studies in Parkinson's disease have shown changes in alpha-synuclein expression, which might offer insights into the dopaminergic gene regulation seen in RLS. The dopamine agonist drugs to be included in this study are: Pramipexole (Mirapex), Ropinirole (Requip), Rotigotine (Neupro), Apomorphine (Apokyn), Bromocriptine (Parlodel). Specifically, the study will collect nasal swabs of participants partitioned into two groups, those who have not used a dopamine agonist or been on a dopamine agonist for less than 1 month compared to those who have been on the medication for 6 or more months. This research could provide insight into changes in dopaminergic gene expression associated with Augmentation Syndrome (AS) which occurs after long term dopamine agonist treatment in RLS patients.