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Zeng X, Chen Y, Sehrawat A, Lee J, Lafferty TK, Kofler J, Berman SB, Sweet RA, Tudorascu DL, Klunk WE, Ikonomovic MD, Pfister A, Zetterberg H, Snitz BE, Cohen AD, Villemagne VL, Pascoal TA, Kamboh ML, Lopez OI, Blennow K, Karikari TK. Alzheimer blood biomarkers: practical guidelines for study design, sample collection, processing, biobanking, measurement and result reporting. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:40. [PMID: 38750570 PMCID: PMC11095038 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, remains challenging to understand and treat despite decades of research and clinical investigation. This might be partly due to a lack of widely available and cost-effective modalities for diagnosis and prognosis. Recently, the blood-based AD biomarker field has seen significant progress driven by technological advances, mainly improved analytical sensitivity and precision of the assays and measurement platforms. Several blood-based biomarkers have shown high potential for accurately detecting AD pathophysiology. As a result, there has been considerable interest in applying these biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, as surrogate metrics to investigate the impact of various covariates on AD pathophysiology and to accelerate AD therapeutic trials and monitor treatment effects. However, the lack of standardization of how blood samples and collected, processed, stored analyzed and reported can affect the reproducibility of these biomarker measurements, potentially hindering progress toward their widespread use in clinical and research settings. To help address these issues, we provide fundamental guidelines developed according to recent research findings on the impact of sample handling on blood biomarker measurements. These guidelines cover important considerations including study design, blood collection, blood processing, biobanking, biomarker measurement, and result reporting. Furthermore, the proposed guidelines include best practices for appropriate blood handling procedures for genetic and ribonucleic acid analyses. While we focus on the key blood-based AD biomarkers for the AT(N) criteria (e.g., amyloid-beta [Aβ]40, Aβ42, Aβ42/40 ratio, total-tau, phosphorylated-tau, neurofilament light chain, brain-derived tau and glial fibrillary acidic protein), we anticipate that these guidelines will generally be applicable to other types of blood biomarkers. We also anticipate that these guidelines will assist investigators in planning and executing biomarker research, enabling harmonization of sample handling to improve comparability across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Zeng
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yijun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Anuradha Sehrawat
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jihui Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Tara K Lafferty
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Julia Kofler
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Sarah B Berman
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Robert A Sweet
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Dana L Tudorascu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - William E Klunk
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Milos D Ikonomovic
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh HS, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anna Pfister
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Beth E Snitz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Anne D Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Victor L Villemagne
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Tharick A Pascoal
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - M Llyas Kamboh
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Oscar I Lopez
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
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Russo M, De Rosa MA, Calisi D, Consoli S, Evangelista G, Dono F, Santilli M, Granzotto A, Onofrj M, Sensi SL. Migraine Pharmacological Treatment and Cognitive Impairment: Risks and Benefits. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911418. [PMID: 36232720 PMCID: PMC9569564 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a common neurological disorder impairing the quality of life of patients. The condition requires, as an acute or prophylactic line of intervention, the frequent use of drugs acting on the central nervous system (CNS). The long-term impact of these medications on cognition and neurodegeneration has never been consistently assessed. The paper reviews pharmacological migraine treatments and discusses their biological and clinical effects on the CNS. The different anti-migraine drugs show distinct profiles concerning neurodegeneration and the risk of cognitive deficits. These features should be carefully evaluated when prescribing a pharmacological treatment as many migraineurs are of scholar or working age and their performances may be affected by drug misuse. Thus, a reconsideration of therapy guidelines is warranted. Furthermore, since conflicting results have emerged in the relationship between migraine and dementia, future studies must consider present and past pharmacological regimens as potential confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Russo
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- CAST—Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Matteo A. De Rosa
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Dario Calisi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Consoli
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giacomo Evangelista
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fedele Dono
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- CAST—Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Matteo Santilli
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alberto Granzotto
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- CAST—Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Onofrj
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- CAST—Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano L. Sensi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- CAST—Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Institute for Mind Impairments and Neurological Disorders-iMIND, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- ITAB—Institute of Advanced Biomedical Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Tomino C, Ilari S, Solfrizzi V, Malafoglia V, Zilio G, Russo P, Proietti S, Marcolongo F, Scapagnini G, Muscoli C, Rossini PM. Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia: The Role of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761 ®). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14040305. [PMID: 33915701 PMCID: PMC8065464 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are clinically prevalent in the elderly. There is a high risk of cognitive decline in patients diagnosed with MCI or dementia. This review describes the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba leaf special extract EGb 761® for the treatment of dementia syndromes and EGb 761® combination therapy with other medications for symptomatic dementia. This drug has shown convincing results, improving cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms and consequent reduction of caregiver stress and maintenance of autonomy in patients with age-related cognitive decline, MCI and mild to moderate dementia. Currently, there is little evidence to support the combination therapy with anti-dementia drugs and, therefore, more evidence is needed to evaluate the role of EGb 761® in mixed therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Tomino
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00166 Rome, Italy; (C.T.); (S.P.)
| | - Sara Ilari
- Department of Health Science, Institute of Research for Food Safety & Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88201 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.I.); (C.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- Clinica Medica “Frugoni” and Geriatric Medicine-Memory Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70122 Bari, Italy;
| | - Valentina Malafoglia
- Institute for Research on Pain, ISAL Foundation, Torre Pedrera, 47922 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Guglielmo Zilio
- Scientific Department, Schwabe Pharma Italia S.r.l., 39044 Egna, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Russo
- Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00166 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | - Stefania Proietti
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00166 Rome, Italy; (C.T.); (S.P.)
| | - Federica Marcolongo
- Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00166 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Scapagnini
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Carolina Muscoli
- Department of Health Science, Institute of Research for Food Safety & Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88201 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.I.); (C.M.)
| | - Paolo Maria Rossini
- Department of Neuroscience & Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00163 Rome, Italy;
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Janeiro MH, Ardanaz CG, Sola-Sevilla N, Dong J, Cortés-Erice M, Solas M, Puerta E, Ramírez MJ. Biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease. ADVANCES IN LABORATORY MEDICINE 2021; 2:27-50. [PMID: 37359199 PMCID: PMC10197496 DOI: 10.1515/almed-2020-0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. AD is the main cause of dementia worldwide and aging is the main risk factor for developing the illness. AD classical diagnostic criteria rely on clinical data. However, the development of a biological definition of AD using biomarkers that reflect the underling neuropathology is needed. Content The aim of this review is to describe the main outcomes when measuring classical and novel biomarkers in biological fluids or neuroimaging. Summary Nowadays, there are three classical biomarkers for the diagnosis of AD: Aβ42, t-Tau and p-Tau. The diagnostic use of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers is limited due to invasive collection by lumbar puncture with potential side effects. Plasma/serum measurements are the gold standard in clinics, because they are minimally invasive and, in consequence, easily collected and processed. The two main proteins implicated in the pathological process, Aβ and Tau, can be visualized using neuroimaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography. Outlook As it is currently accepted that AD starts decades before clinical symptoms could be diagnosed, the opportunity to detect biological alterations prior to clinical symptoms would allow early diagnosis or even perhaps change treatment possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel H. Janeiro
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IDISNA, Navarra’s Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos G. Ardanaz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IDISNA, Navarra’s Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noemí Sola-Sevilla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IDISNA, Navarra’s Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jinya Dong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IDISNA, Navarra’s Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Cortés-Erice
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IDISNA, Navarra’s Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Solas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IDISNA, Navarra’s Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elena Puerta
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IDISNA, Navarra’s Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María J. Ramírez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IDISNA, Navarra’s Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
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Müller WE, Eckert A, Eckert GP, Fink H, Friedland K, Gauthier S, Hoerr R, Ihl R, Kasper S, Möller HJ. Therapeutic efficacy of the Ginkgo special extract EGb761 ® within the framework of the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease. World J Biol Psychiatry 2019; 20:173-189. [PMID: 28460580 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2017.1308552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The mitochondrial cascade hypothesis of dementia assumes mitochondrial dysfunction as an important common pathomechanism for the whole spectrum of age-associated memory disorders from cognitive symptoms in the elderly over mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's dementia. Thus, a drug such as the Ginkgo special extract EGb 761® which improves mitochondrial function should be able to ameliorate cognitive deficits over the whole aging spectrum. METHODS We review the most relevant publications about effects of EGb 761® on cognition and synaptic deficits in preclinical studies as well as on cognitive deficits in man from aging to dementia. RESULTS EGb 761® improves mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive impairment over the whole spectrum of age-associated cognitive disorders in relevant animal models and in vitro experiments, and also shows clinical efficacy in improving cognition over the whole range from aging to Alzheimer's or even vascular dementia. CONCLUSIONS EGb 761® shows clinical efficacy in the treatment of cognitive deficits over the whole spectrum of age-associated memory disorders. Thus, EGb 761® can serve as an important pharmacological argument for the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter E Müller
- a Department of Pharmacology , Biocenter, Goethe-University , Frankfurt/M , Germany
| | - Anne Eckert
- b Neurobiological laboratory, Department of Psychiatry , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Gunter P Eckert
- c Department of Nutritional Sciences , Justus-Liebig University , Giessen , Germany
| | - Heidrun Fink
- d Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Free University , Berlin , Germany
| | - Kristina Friedland
- e Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacy , University Erlangen , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Serge Gauthier
- f McGill Center for Studies in Aging , Montreal , Canada
| | - Robert Hoerr
- g Dr.Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG , Karlsruhe , Germany
| | - Ralf Ihl
- h Alexianer Hospital, Clinic of Geriatric Psychiatry , Krefeld , Germany
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- i Department of Psychiatry , Medical University , Vienna , Austria
| | - Hans-Jürgen Möller
- j Department of Psychiatry , Ludwig-Maximilian University , Munich , Germany
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Robinson RAS, Amin B, Guest PC. Multiplexing Biomarker Methods, Proteomics and Considerations for Alzheimer’s Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 974:21-48. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52479-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Lista S, O'Bryant SE, Blennow K, Dubois B, Hugon J, Zetterberg H, Hampel H. Biomarkers in Sporadic and Familial Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 47:291-317. [PMID: 26401553 DOI: 10.3233/jad-143006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Most forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are sporadic (sAD) or inherited in a non-Mendelian fashion, and less than 1% of cases are autosomal-dominant. Forms of sAD do not exhibit familial aggregation and are characterized by complex genetic and environmental interactions. Recently, the expansion of genomic methodologies, in association with substantially larger combined cohorts, has resulted in various genome-wide association studies that have identified several novel genetic associations of AD. Currently, the most effective methods for establishing the diagnosis of AD are defined by multi-modal pathways, starting with clinical and neuropsychological assessment, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and brain-imaging procedures, all of which have significant cost- and access-to-care barriers. Consequently, research efforts have focused on the development and validation of non-invasive and generalizable blood-based biomarkers. Among the modalities conceptualized by the systems biology paradigm and utilized in the "exploratory biomarker discovery arena", proteome analysis has received the most attention. However, metabolomics, lipidomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics have recently become key modalities in the search for AD biomarkers. Interestingly, biomarker changes for familial AD (fAD), in many but not all cases, seem similar to those for sAD. The integration of neurogenetics with systems biology/physiology-based strategies and high-throughput technologies for molecular profiling is expected to help identify the causes, mechanisms, and biomarkers associated with the various forms of AD. Moreover, in order to hypothesize the dynamic trajectories of biomarkers through disease stages and elucidate the mechanisms of biomarker alterations, updated and more sophisticated theoretical models have been proposed for both sAD and fAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lista
- AXA Research Fund & UPMC Chair, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 06, Institut de la Mémoire et de la Maladie d'Alzheimer (IM2A) & Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Département de Neurologie, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpétrière, Paris, France
| | - Sid E O'Bryant
- Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research & Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Bruno Dubois
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 06, Institut de la Mémoire et de la Maladie d'Alzheimer (IM2A) & Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Département de Neurologie, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpétrière, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Hugon
- Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherche (CMRR) Paris Nord Ile-de-France, Groupe Hospitalier Saint Louis Lariboisière - Fernand Widal, Université Paris Diderot, Paris 07, Paris, France.,Institut du Fer à Moulin (IFM), Inserm UMR_S 839, Paris, France
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Harald Hampel
- AXA Research Fund & UPMC Chair, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 06, Institut de la Mémoire et de la Maladie d'Alzheimer (IM2A) & Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Département de Neurologie, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpétrière, Paris, France
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McGregor G, Malekizadeh Y, Harvey J. Minireview: Food for thought: regulation of synaptic function by metabolic hormones. Mol Endocrinol 2016; 29:3-13. [PMID: 25470238 DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The peripheral actions of the metabolic hormones, leptin and insulin, are well documented. However, the functions of these hormones are not restricted to the periphery because evidence is growing that both leptin and insulin can readily cross the blood-brain barrier and have widespread central actions. The hippocampus in particular expresses high levels of both insulin and leptin receptors as well as key components of their associated signaling cascades. Moreover, recent studies indicate that both hormones are potential cognitive enhancers. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that both leptin and insulin markedly influence key cellular events that underlie hippocampal learning and memory including activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and the trafficking of glutamate receptors to and away from hippocampal synapses. The hippocampal formation is also a prime site for the neurodegenerative processes that occur during Alzheimer's disease, and impairments in either leptin or insulin function have been linked to central nervous system-driven diseases like Alzheimer's disease. Thus, the capacity of the metabolic hormones, leptin and insulin, to regulate hippocampal synaptic function has significant implications for normal brain function and also central nervous system-driven disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma McGregor
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, United Kingdom
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9
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Donohue MC, Moghadam SH, Roe AD, Sun CK, Edland SD, Thomas RG, Petersen RC, Sano M, Galasko D, Aisen PS, Rissman RA. Longitudinal plasma amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials. Alzheimers Dement 2015; 11:1069-79. [PMID: 25301682 PMCID: PMC4387108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2014.07.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about the utility of plasma amyloid beta (Aβ) in clinical trials of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS We analyzed longitudinal plasma samples from two large multicenter clinical trials: (1) donezepil and vitamin E in mild cognitive impairment (n = 405, 24 months) and (2) simvastatin in mild to moderate AD (n = 225, 18 months). RESULTS Baseline plasma Aβ was not related to cognitive or clinical progression. We observed a decrease in plasma Aβ40 and 42 among apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE ε4) carriers relative to noncarriers in the mild cognitive impairment trial. Patients treated with simvastatin showed a significant increase in Aβ compared with placebo. We found significant storage time effects and considerable plate-to-plate variation. DISCUSSION We found no support for the utility of plasma Aβ as a prognostic factor or correlate of cognitive change. Analysis of stored specimens requires careful standardization and experimental design, but plasma Aβ may prove useful in pharmacodynamic studies of antiamyloid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Donohue
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Family Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Setareh H Moghadam
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Allyson D Roe
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Chung-Kai Sun
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Steven D Edland
- Department of Family Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ronald G Thomas
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Family Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ronald C Petersen
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Health Sciences Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Research, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mary Sano
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA; Mount Sinai School of Medicine and James J. Peters Veterans Association Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Douglas Galasko
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Paul S Aisen
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Fu Y, Zhao D, Yang L. Protein-Based Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood for Alzheimer’s Disease. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 54:739-47. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Rembach A, Ryan TM, Roberts BR, Doecke JD, Wilson WJ, Watt AD, Barnham KJ, Masters CL. Progress towards a consensus on biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease: a review of peripheral analytes. Biomark Med 2013; 7:641-62. [DOI: 10.2217/bmm.13.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly population and attempts to develop therapies have been unsuccessful because there is no means to target an effective therapeutic window. CNS biomarkers are insightful but impractical for high-throughput population-based screening. Therefore, a peripheral, blood-based biomarker for AD would significantly improve early diagnosis, potentially enable presymptomatic detection and facilitate effective targeting of disease-modifying treatments. The various constituents of blood, including plasma, platelets and cellular fractions, are now being systematically explored as a pool of putative peripheral biomarkers for AD. In this review we cover some less known peripheral biomarkers and highlight the latest developments for their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Rembach
- The Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Tim M Ryan
- The Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Blaine R Roberts
- The Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - James D Doecke
- The Australian e-Health Research Centre, Herston, Queensland, 4029, Australia
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2113, Australia
| | - William J Wilson
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2113, Australia
| | - Andrew D Watt
- The Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Kevin J Barnham
- The Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Colin L Masters
- The Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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Gupta VB, Sundaram R, Martins RN. Multiplex biomarkers in blood. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2013; 5:31. [PMID: 23795953 PMCID: PMC3707019 DOI: 10.1186/alzrt185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Advances in the field of blood biomarker discovery will help in identifying Alzheimer's disease in its preclinical stage, allowing treatment to be initiated before irreversible damage occurs. This review discusses some recent past and current approaches being taken by researchers in the field. Individual blood biomarkers have been unsuccessful in defining the disease pathology, progression and thus diagnosis. This directs to the need for discovering a multiplex panel of blood biomarkers as a promising approach with high sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis. However, it is a great challenge to standardize a worldwide blood biomarker panel due to the innate differences in the population tested, nature of the samples and methods utilised in different studies across the globe. We highlight several issues that result in the lack of reproducibility in this field of research currently faced by researchers. Several important measures are summarized towards the end of the review that can be taken to minimize the variability among various centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veer Bala Gupta
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027 Australia
| | - Ramani Sundaram
- Centre for Ageing and Alzheimer's, Nightingales, Bangalore, 560043 India
| | - Ralph N Martins
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027 Australia ; Sir James McCusker Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit (Hollywood Private Hospital), Perth, WA, 6009 Australia ; Suite 22, Hollywood Medical Centre, 85 Monash Ave, Nedlands, WA, 6009 Australia
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Lopez OL, Becker JT, Kuller LH. Patterns of compensation and vulnerability in normal subjects at risk of Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2013; 33 Suppl 1:S427-38. [PMID: 22669014 PMCID: PMC3951098 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2012-129015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent form of dementia in elderly individuals and its incidence and prevalence increases with age. This risk of AD is increased in the presence of genetic and demographic factors including apolipoprotein E 4 allele, lower education, and family history of AD. There are medical risk modifiers including systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease that increase the vulnerability for AD. By contrast, there are lifestyle risk modifiers that reduce the effects of AD risk factors include diet and physical and cognitive activity. Our research has consistently shown that it is the interactions among these risk factors with the pathobiological cascade of AD that determine the likelihood of a clinical expression of AD-either as dementia or mild cognitive impairment. However, the association between "vulnerability" and "protective" factors varies with age, since the effects of these factors on the risk for AD may differ in younger (age < 80) versus older (age > 80) individuals. The understanding of the dynamic of these factors at different age periods will be essential for the implementation of primary prevention treatments for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar L Lopez
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15215, USA.
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Carmona P, Molina M, Calero M, Bermejo-Pareja F, Martínez-Martín P, Alvarez I, Toledano A. Infrared spectroscopic analysis of mononuclear leukocytes in peripheral blood from Alzheimer’s disease patients. Anal Bioanal Chem 2012; 402:2015-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-011-5669-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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15
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Head E, Doran E, Nistor M, Hill M, Schmitt FA, Haier RJ, Lott IT. Plasma amyloid-β as a function of age, level of intellectual disability, and presence of dementia in Down syndrome. J Alzheimers Dis 2011; 23:399-409. [PMID: 21116050 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2010-101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Adults with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). While plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) is known to be elevated in DS, its relationship to cognitive functioning is unknown. To assess this relationship, samples from two groups of subjects were used. In the first group, nondemented adults with DS were compared to: 1) a group of young and old individuals without DS and 2) to a group of patients with AD. Compared to these controls, there were significantly higher levels of plasma Aβ in nondemented adults with DS while AD patients showed lower levels of plasma Aβ. A larger second group included demented and nondemented adults with DS, in order to test the hypothesis that plasma Aβ may vary as a function of dementia and Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype. Plasma Aβ levels alone did not dissociate DS adults with and without dementia. However, in demented adults with DS, ApoE4 was associated with higher Aβ40 but not Aβ42. After controlling for level of intellectual disability (mild, moderate, severe) and the presence or absence of dementia, there was an improved prediction of neuropsychological scores by plasma Aβ. In summary, plasma Aβ can help predict cognitive function in adults with DS independently of the presence or absence of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Head
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 40536, USA.
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Toledo JB, Vanderstichele H, Figurski M, Aisen PS, Petersen RC, Weiner MW, Jack CR, Jagust W, Decarli C, Toga AW, Toledo E, Xie SX, Lee VMY, Trojanowski JQ, Shaw LM. Factors affecting Aβ plasma levels and their utility as biomarkers in ADNI. Acta Neuropathol 2011; 122:401-13. [PMID: 21805181 PMCID: PMC3299300 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-011-0861-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies of Aβ plasma as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) obtained conflicting results. We here included 715 subjects with baseline Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42) plasma measurement (50% with 4 serial annual measurements): 205 cognitively normal controls (CN), 348 patients mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 162 with AD. We assessed the factors that modified their concentrations and correlated these values with PIB PET, MRI and tau and Aβ(1-42) measures in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Association between Aβ and diagnosis (baseline and prospective) was assessed. A number of health conditions were associated with altered concentrations of plasma Aβ. The effect of age differed according to AD stage. Plasma Aβ(1-42) showed mild correlation with other biomarkers of Aβ pathology and were associated with infarctions in MRI. Longitudinal measurements of Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42) plasma levels showed modest value as a prognostic factor for clinical progression. Our longitudinal study of complementary measures of Aβ pathology (PIB, CSF and plasma Aβ) and other biomarkers in a cohort with an extensive neuropsychological battery is significant because it shows that plasma Aβ measurements have limited value for disease classification and modest value as prognostic factors over the 3-year follow-up. However, with longer follow-up, within subject plasma Aβ measurements could be used as a simple and minimally invasive screen to identify those at increased risk for AD. Our study emphasizes the need for a better understanding of the biology and dynamics of plasma Aβ as well as the need for longer term studies to determine the clinical utility of measuring plasma Aβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon B. Toledo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, HUP, Maloney, 3rd (JQT) or 7th (LMS) Floor, 36th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA
| | | | - Michal Figurski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, HUP, Maloney, 3rd (JQT) or 7th (LMS) Floor, 36th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA
| | - Paul S. Aisen
- University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Michael W. Weiner
- Department of Radiology Medicine and Psychiatry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - William Jagust
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Charles Decarli
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Arthur W. Toga
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Department of Neurology, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Estefanía Toledo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Medical School, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sharon X. Xie
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Virginia M.-Y. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, HUP, Maloney, 3rd (JQT) or 7th (LMS) Floor, 36th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA
| | - John Q. Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, HUP, Maloney, 3rd (JQT) or 7th (LMS) Floor, 36th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA
| | - Leslie M. Shaw
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, HUP, Maloney, 3rd (JQT) or 7th (LMS) Floor, 36th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA
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Humpel C. Identifying and validating biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Trends Biotechnol 2010; 29:26-32. [PMID: 20971518 PMCID: PMC3016495 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2010.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Revised: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The identification and validation of biomarkers for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia are increasingly important. To date, ELISA measurement of β-amyloid(1–42), total tau and phospho-tau-181 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the most advanced and accepted method to diagnose probable AD with high specificity and sensitivity. However, it is a great challenge to search for novel biomarkers in CSF and blood by using modern potent methods, such as microarrays and mass spectrometry, and to optimize the handling of samples (e.g. collection, transport, processing, and storage), as well as the interpretation using bioinformatics. It seems likely that only a combined analysis of several biomarkers will define a patient-specific signature to diagnose AD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Humpel
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimer's Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr. 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Leuner K, Kurz C, Guidetti G, Orgogozo JM, Müller WE. Improved mitochondrial function in brain aging and Alzheimer disease - the new mechanism of action of the old metabolic enhancer piracetam. Front Neurosci 2010; 4. [PMID: 20877425 PMCID: PMC2944646 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2010.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Piracetam, the prototype of the so-called nootropic drugs' is used since many years in different countries to treat cognitive impairment in aging and dementia. Findings that piracetam enhances fluidity of brain mitochondrial membranes led to the hypothesis that piracetam might improve mitochondrial function, e.g., might enhance ATP synthesis. This assumption has recently been supported by a number of observations showing enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced ATP production, and reduced sensitivity for apoptosis in a variety of cell and animal models for aging and Alzheimer disease. As a specific consequence, substantial evidence for elevated neuronal plasticity as a specific effect of piracetam has emerged. Taken together, this new findings can explain many of the therapeutic effects of piracetam on cognition in aging and dementia as well as different situations of brain dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Leuner
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter, University of Frankfurt Frankfurt, Germany
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Kurz C, Ungerer I, Lipka U, Kirr S, Schütt T, Eckert A, Leuner K, Müller WE. The metabolic enhancer piracetam ameliorates the impairment of mitochondrial function and neurite outgrowth induced by beta-amyloid peptide. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:246-57. [PMID: 20218980 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE beta-Amyloid peptide (Abeta) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by initiating a cascade of events from mitochondrial dysfunction to neuronal death. The metabolic enhancer piracetam has been shown to improve mitochondrial dysfunction following brain aging and experimentally induced oxidative stress. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used cell lines (PC12 and HEK cells) and murine dissociated brain cells. The protective effects of piracetam in vitro and ex vivo on Abeta-induced impairment of mitochondrial function (as mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production), on secretion of soluble Abeta and on neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells were investigated. KEY RESULTS Piracetam improves mitochondrial function of PC12 cells and acutely dissociated brain cells from young NMRI mice following exposure to extracellular Abeta(1-42). Similar protective effects against Abeta(1-42) were observed in dissociated brain cells from aged NMRI mice, or mice transgenic for mutant human amyloid precursor protein (APP) treated with piracetam for 14 days. Soluble Abeta load was markedly diminished in the brain of those animals after treatment with piracetam. Abeta production by HEK cells stably transfected with mutant human APP was elevated by oxidative stress and this was reduced by piracetam. Impairment of neuritogenesis is an important consequence of Abeta-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and Abeta-induced reduction of neurite growth in PC12 cells was substantially improved by piracetam. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings strongly support the concept of improving mitochondrial function as an approach to ameliorate the detrimental effects of Abeta on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kurz
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter, University Frankfurt/M, Germany
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20
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Clearance mechanisms of Alzheimer's amyloid-beta peptide: implications for therapeutic design and diagnostic tests. Mol Psychiatry 2009; 14:469-86. [PMID: 18794889 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2008.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the 'amyloid hypothesis' is the most widely accepted explanation for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to this hypothesis, altered metabolism of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide is central to the pathological cascade involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Although Abeta is produced by almost every cell in the body, a physiological function for the peptide has not been determined, and the pathways by which Abeta leads to cognitive dysfunction and cell death are unclear. Numerous therapeutic approaches that target the production, toxicity and removal of Abeta are being developed worldwide. Although therapeutic treatment for AD may be imminent, the value and effectiveness of such treatment are largely dependent on early diagnosis of the disease. This review summarizes current knowledge of Abeta clearance, transport and degradation, and evaluates the use of such information in the development of diagnostic tools. The conflicting results of plasma Abeta ELISAs are discussed, as are the more promising results of Abeta imaging by positron emission tomography. Current knowledge of Abeta-binding proteins and Abeta-degrading enzymes is analysed in the context of a potential therapy for AD. Transport across the blood-brain barrier by the receptor for advanced glycation end products and efflux via the multi-ligand lipoprotein receptor LRP-1 is also reviewed. Enhancing clearance and degradation of Abeta remains an attractive therapeutic strategy, and improved understanding of Abeta clearance may lead to advances in diagnostics and interventions designed to prevent or delay the onset of AD.
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Hao H, Nancai Y, Lei F, Wen S, Guofu H, yanxia W, Hanju H, Qian L. Retracted:Antiaging effect of purslane herb aqueous extracts and its mechanism of Action. Phytother Res 2009; 23:i-vii. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is an ever-increasing health concern among the aging population, and as we research new and existing treatments for this disease we begin to uncover possibilities for its prevention. Observational studies and animal models have provided promising findings and generated excitement, but placebo-controlled clinical trials are required to demonstrate true efficacy for these treatments.In the past two decades, clinical trials have led to the approval of symptomatic treatments for Alzheimer's disease, including cholinesterase inhibitors and, more recently, an NMDA receptor antagonist. Clinical trials have also examined antioxidants, NSAIDs, hormone replacement, nutritional supplements and nonpharmacological interventions for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. While the results of many of these trials have been disappointing, new mechanisms targeting the hallmark pathology of Alzheimer's disease are currently under investigation, including immunotherapy and secretase modulation, targeted at reducing the amyloid burden, for which we await the results. We review the evidence from completed trials, support for ongoing studies and propose directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Sano
- The Alzheimer Disease Research Center of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
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Grünblatt E, Zehetmayer S, Bartl J, Löffler C, Wichart I, Rainer MK, Jungwirth S, Bauer P, Danielczyk W, Tragl KH, Riederer P, Fischer P. Genetic risk factors and markers for Alzheimer's disease and/or depression in the VITA study. J Psychiatr Res 2009; 43:298-308. [PMID: 18603262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2008.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2007] [Revised: 05/27/2008] [Accepted: 05/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In ageing population, both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and depression are common. Significant depressive symptoms are often co-morbid with cognitive impairment and dementia. In this study, we attempted to find various factors and markers for both AD and depression in a longitudinal cohort, the Vienna-Transdanube-Aging (VITA)-study. METHODS The VITA-Study consisted of 305 healthy subjects, 174 subjects with depression only, 55 subjects diagnosed with AD only and 72 subjects with depression as well as AD. Associations between AD and/or depression to gene polymorphisms APO E (epsilon4), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) 4G to A, serotonin-transporter gene promoter-length, dopamine-D4-receptor, ciliary-neurotrophic-factor-null mutation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (C270T) and to various known factors were analyzed. RESULTS AD and depression were significant associated. Significant risk factors found for AD were low education, low folic acid and depressive-symptoms, while for depression were low education and higher nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) consume. Moreover, the ChAT polymorphism associated significant to depression. Gender, education, and ChAT significantly associated with the combination AD and/or depression. CONCLUSION Such studies must be conducted cautiously, as co-morbidities and gene-environmental-social influences may sway the results dramatically. We found in the VITA-study significant association between depression and AD and between ChAT polymorphism and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna Grünblatt
- Ludwig Boltzmann Society, L. Boltzmann Institute of Aging Research, Vienna, Austria.
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Blasko I, Jungwirth S, Jellinger K, Kemmler G, Krampla W, Weissgram S, Wichart I, Tragl KH, Hinterhuber H, Fischer P. Effects of medications on plasma amyloid beta (Abeta) 42: longitudinal data from the VITA cohort. J Psychiatr Res 2008; 42:946-55. [PMID: 18155247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2007.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2007] [Revised: 10/25/2007] [Accepted: 10/29/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the course of cognitive deterioration leading to Alzheimer's disease (AD) the increase of amyloid beta (Abeta42) in cerebrospinal fluid or plasma might be an initial event. We previously reported about the associations between concomitant medication and plasma Abeta42 levels in the non-demented population cohort of the Vienna transdanube aging study at baseline. In the present study, the longitudinal influence of insulin, gingko biloba, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral anti-diabetics (sulfonylurea and biguanides), estrogens, fibrates, and statins on plasma Abeta42 are presented. Associated with medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA), users of insulin showed significantly increased levels of Abeta42. Long-term users of gingko biloba, independent of their MTA, had significantly decreased plasma Abeta42 and the age-dependent increase of plasma Abeta42 was significantly smaller in long-term gingko biloba treated subjects. The use of fibrates also decreased plasma Abeta42 levels. In multiple testing considering interactions between medications, gender, APOE-epsilon4 presence and creatinine, insulin long-term users again showed significantly increased levels; fibrate and gingko biloba users showed a trend to rather decreased plasma Abeta42 levels compared to the non-users (p=0.05-0.08). Neither statins nor NSAIDs showed a significant effect on plasma Abeta42 in this model. Measuring the effect on cognition, no single medication studied was a significant predictor of conversion to AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Whether the use of gingko biloba might prevent the conversion to MCI or AD needs to be proven in prospective, clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imrich Blasko
- Department of Psychiatry, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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25
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Jellinger KA, Janetzky B, Attems J, Kienzl E. Biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease: 'ALZheimer ASsociated gene'--a new blood biomarker? J Cell Mol Med 2008; 12:1094-117. [PMID: 18363842 PMCID: PMC3865653 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2007] [Accepted: 02/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple, non-invasive tests for an early detection of degenerative dementia by use of biomarkers are urgently required. However, up to the present, no validated extracerebral diagnostic markers (plasma/serum, platelets, urine, connective tissue) for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) are available. In disease stages with evident cognitive disturbances, the clinical diagnosis of probable AD is made with around 90% accuracy using modern clinical, neuropsychological and imaging methods. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity even in early disease stages are improved by CSF markers, in particular combined tau and amyloid beta peptides (Abeta) and plasma markers (eg, Abeta-42/Abeta-40 ratio). Recently, a novel gene/protein--ALZAS (Alzheimer Associated Protein)--with a 79 amino acid sequence, containing the amyloid beta-42 fragment (Abeta-42), the amyloid precursor protein (APP) transmembrane signal and a 12 amino acid C-terminal, not present in any other known APP alleles, has been discovered on chromosome 21 within the APP region. Reverse transcriptase-PCR revealed the expression of the transcript of this protein in the cortex and hippocampal regions as well as in lymphocytes of human AD patients. The expression of ALZAS is mirrored by a specific autoimmune response in AD patients, directed against the ct-12 end of the ALZAS-peptide but not against the Abeta-sequence. ELISA studies of plasma detected highest titers of ALZAS in patients with mild cognitive impairment (presymptomatic AD), but only moderately increased titers in autopsy-confirmed AD, whereas low or undetectable ct-12 titers were found in cognitively intact age-matched subjects and young controls. The antigen, ALZAS protein, was detected in plasma in later clinical stages of AD. It is suggested that ALZAS represents an indicator in a dynamic equilibrium between both peripheral and brain degenerative changes in AD and may become a useful "non-invasive" diagnostic marker via a simple blood test.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The importance of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease is increasing. The present review aims to offer a general view of plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and to discuss their relevance and limitations. RECENT FINDINGS The broad overlap in the plasma amyloid beta protein (Abeta) levels between patients with Alzheimer's disease and control individuals indicates that the plasma Abeta level cannot differentiate cases of sporadic Alzheimer's disease from control cases. Although the significance of Abeta for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease is controversial, high plasma concentrations of Abeta40 and low plasma concentrations of Abeta42 indicate an increased risk of dementia. SUMMARY The usefulness of biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid has been shown by numerous studies; this test is not commonly used, however, and blood biomarkers are therefore preferred. Increasing evidence shows that the plasma Abeta concentration may be a premorbid marker for the risk of Alzheimer's disease. It may be used for therapeutic monitoring, diagnosis of Abeta deposition in the brain, and also as a surrogate genetic marker to identify novel genetic determinants of Alzheimer's disease. A potential role of plasma Abeta concentration as a marker of incipient dementia warrants further investigation.
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Lopez OL, Kuller LH, Mehta PD, Becker JT, Gach HM, Sweet RA, Chang YF, Tracy R, DeKosky ST. Plasma amyloid levels and the risk of AD in normal subjects in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Neurology 2008; 70:1664-71. [PMID: 18401021 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000306696.82017.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the association between incident Alzheimer disease (AD), and plasma A beta 1-40 and A beta 1-42 levels in normal and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects in a subgroup of participants of the Cardiovascular Health Study Cognition Study. METHODS We determined the plasma A beta 1-40 and A beta 1-42 levels of 274 nondemented subjects (232 normals and 42 with MCI) in 1998-1999 and repeated the measurements in 2002-2003. The mean age of the subjects at baseline was 79.3 +/- 3.6 years. We examined the association between A beta levels and incident AD over the ensuing 4.5 years, controlling for age, cystatin C level (marker of glomerular function), apolipoprotein E-4 allele, Modified-Mini-Mental State Examination scores, and MRI-identified infarcts. RESULTS In an unadjusted prospective model in normal subjects, both A beta 1-40 and A beta 1-42 levels in 1998-1999 were associated with incident AD (n = 55) in 2002-2003 (longitudinal analysis). In the fully adjusted multivariate model, neither A beta 1-42 nor A beta 1-40 nor their ratio was associated with incident AD. However, adjustment had a very small effect on point estimates for A beta 1-42, from an odds ratio (OR) of 1.61 (p = 0.007) in the unadjusted model to an OR of 1.46 (p = 0.08) in the fully adjusted model. In 2002-2003 (cross-sectional analysis), only the unadjusted models showed that both peptides were associated with AD. CONCLUSIONS Plasma A beta levels are affected by age and by systemic and CNS vascular risk factors. After controlling for these conditions, A beta-40 and A beta 1-42 are weak predictors of conversion to Alzheimer disease (AD) in normal subjects and are only weakly associated with AD in cross-sectional analysis. Consequently, plasma levels of A beta do not seem to be useful biomarkers for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- O L Lopez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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de Jong D, Kremer BPH, Olde Rikkert MGM, Verbeek MM. Current state and future directions of neurochemical biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008; 45:1421-34. [PMID: 17970699 DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2007.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this comprehensive review, we summarize the current state-of-the-art of neurochemical biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Predominantly, these biomarkers comprise cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers directly related to the pathophysiology of this disorder (such as amyloid beta protein, tau protein). We particularly pay attention to the innovations in this area that have been made in technological aspects during the past 5 years (e.g., multiplex analysis of biomarkers, proteomics), to the discovery of novel, potential biomarkers (e.g., amyloid beta oligomers, isoprostanes), and to the extension of this research towards identification of biomarkers in plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle de Jong
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Kim JH, Ha HC, Lee MS, Kang JI, Kim HS, Lee SY, Pyun KH, Shim I. Effect of Tremella fuciformis on the neurite outgrowth of PC12h cells and the improvement of memory in rats. Biol Pharm Bull 2007; 30:708-14. [PMID: 17409507 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.30.708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the neuritogenic effects of Tremella fuciformis (TF), which has been valued in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy with nutritive and tonic actions, on PC12h cells. The cognitive improving effects of TF on scopolamine-induced (2 mg/kg, s.c.) amnesia in rats were also evaluated with using the Morris water maze task and by performing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemistry. The water extract of TF (0.01-1 microg/ml) promoted neurite outgrowth of the PC12h cells in a dose dependent manner. TF was highly efficient at the concentration range of 0.1-1 microg/ml. Oral daily treatment with TF (100 or 400 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days significantly reversed the scopolamine-induced deficit in learning and memory, and it alleviated decrease in cholinergic immunoreactivity induced by scopolamine in the medial septum and hippocampus. The results demonstrate that the promotion of neuritogenesis in neuronal culture cells by TF water extract is related with its activity for improving the performance of rats on a spatial learning and memory task. Moreover, the impairments of spatial learning and memory may be attributable to the decrease in activation of the septohippocampal cholinergic system and that TF ameliorated learning and memory deficits partly through its increasing the central cholinergic activity. Therefore, TF could represent a potentially useful agent that is able to improve the function of impaired cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Immunology and Cell Biology Core Lab, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Korea
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Grünblatt E, Hupp E, Bambula M, Zehetmayer S, Jungwirth S, Tragl KH, Fischer P, Riederer P. Association study of BDNF and CNTF polymorphism to depression in non-demented subjects of the "VITA" study. J Affect Disord 2006; 96:111-6. [PMID: 16797081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2006.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2006] [Revised: 05/12/2006] [Accepted: 05/12/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophic factors are known to play an important role in the survival and differentiation of many types of neurons during development. Both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) may act cooperatively in modulating the development and functioning of synapses. Both these neurotrophic factors were intensely investigated with regard to depression without conclusive results. METHODS We have investigated the possible use of both CNTF null-mutation and BDNF polymorphism C270T as biomarkers for depression in the Vienna Transdanube Aging (VITA) study. The VITA is a prospective community-based cohort study of all 75 years old inhabitants of a geographical region of Vienna. RESULTS We found no association between CNTF null-mutation and BDNF C270T polymorphism to any depressive symptoms after exclusion of demented subjects. CONCLUSION These results call in question the hypothesis that either BDNF or CNTF can be used as molecular markers for depression or late onset depression in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Grünblatt
- Ludwig Boltzmann Society, L. Boltzmann Institute of Aging Research, Vienna, Austria.
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31
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Blasko I, Jellinger K, Kemmler G, Krampla W, Jungwirth S, Wichart I, Tragl KH, Fischer P. Conversion from cognitive health to mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: prediction by plasma amyloid beta 42, medial temporal lobe atrophy and homocysteine. Neurobiol Aging 2006; 29:1-11. [PMID: 17055615 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2006.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2006] [Revised: 07/24/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The changes of plasma amyloid beta (Abeta42) protein, homocysteine and medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) were studied by the transition from cognitive health to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a prospective cohort of individuals aged 75 years. MTA but not plasma Abeta42 measured at baseline predicted which persons remained cognitively healthy (CH) and who developed AD 2.5 years later. The increase of plasma Abeta42 over time significantly distinguished between persons who remained CH on the one hand and MCI converters and AD converters out of cognitive health on the other (CH-to-MCI and CH-to-AD converters). Although both groups showed similar increase of Abeta42 levels, CH-to-AD converters had a higher increase of homocysteine compared to CH-to-MCI converters or to persons remaining CH. In comparison to all cognitive subgroups, the AD converters from MCI at baseline showed the smallest increase of Abeta42 levels and rather no increase of homocysteine. In logistic regression analysis, the increase of plasma Abeta42 but not change of MTA significantly predicted the conversion from CH to MCI, and changes of MTA and homocysteine but not of plasma Abeta42 predicted the conversion from CH to AD. The increase of plasma Abeta42 correctly allocated CH-to-MCI and CH-to-AD converters with low (63%) specificity (for both) and low (60%) sensitivity (54% for AD group). These results indicate that (1) plasma Abeta42 alone is not suitable as a biomarker for AD, (2) in the course of cognitive deterioration of the AD-type the increase of plasma Abeta42 seems to be an initial event, (3) similar to cerebrospinal fluid, changes of plasma Abeta42 may reflect the transition from cognitive health to AD, and (4) whether persons with MCI develop AD may depend on an accumulation of further toxic metabolites such as homocysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imrich Blasko
- Department of Psychiatry, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria
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Jellinger KA. Alzheimer 100 – highlights in the history of Alzheimer research. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2006; 113:1603-23. [PMID: 17039299 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-006-0578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2006] [Accepted: 09/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of hitherto unknown etiology leading progressively to severe incapacity and death, has become the pandemic of the 21(st) century. On World Alzheimer Day, September 21, 2006, the 100(th) anniversary of the first description of the clinical and histological findings in this disorder by A. Alzheimer, was celebrated. This retrospective review of the most important events and advances in Alzheimer research presents its early history in which only clinical and histologic signs of this peculiar disease were described. Electron microscopy, quantitative morphology and modern biochemistry emerging in the second half of the 20(th) century opened a new era in dementia research with description of the ultrastructure and biochemistry of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the major disease markers of AD. Advances in the development of clinical, neuropathological, and neuroimaging criteria, modern instruments and algorithms in the diagnosis of the disorder followed, enabling long-term studies and more exact diagnosis of AD and related disorders. Landmark studies were the development of operational criteria for the post mortem diagnosis of AD based on semiquantitative assessment and developmental patterns of its major markers. Basic research gave insight into the molecular genetics and pathophysiology of AD, and, based on the biochemical findings, new pharmacological treatment options were opened. Recently, biological and other surrogate, in particular functional neuroimaging, markers allow an early detection of presymptomatic stages of AD, their risk factors and progression which, in the future, might be prevented or at least slowed by new therapeutic approaches. Since the etiology of AD is hitherto unknown, causative therapies are still not available. The paper discusses future research needs and challenges for developing new diagnostic strategies for early and accurate detection of neurodegenerative processes leading to dementia, better epidemiologic and gender data as well as more insights into the pathogenic cascade of AD and other dementing disorders which will depend on international networks and close cooperation between clinicians, neuroscientists, caregivers, public health institutions, and individual sponsors.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Vienna, Austria.
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Vanmechelen E, Grognet P, Vandecasteele L, Sergeant N, Ghestem A, Decraemer H, Catry C, Demeyer L, Callebaut P, Gompel M, Olsson A, Vanderstichele H, Kostanjevecki V, Blennow K, Delacourte A. S1-6 Perspectives on potential biomarkers in blood for Alzheimer diagnosis. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0035-3787(05)85250-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Yu MS, Leung SKY, Lai SW, Che CM, Zee SY, So KF, Yuen WH, Chang RCC. Neuroprotective effects of anti-aging oriental medicine Lycium barbarum against β-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. Exp Gerontol 2005; 40:716-27. [PMID: 16139464 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2005.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2005] [Revised: 06/27/2005] [Accepted: 06/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
As aged population dramatically increases in these decades, efforts should be made on the intervention for curing age-associated neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Natural plant extracts of Lycium barbarum are well-known to exhibit anti-aging effects. We therefore hypothesized that they exhibit neuroprotective effects against toxins in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether extracts from L. barbarum have neuroprotective effects against toxicity of fibrillar Abeta(1-42) and Abeta(25-35) fragments. Primary rat cortical neurons exposed to Abeta peptides resulted in apoptosis and necrosis. Pre-treatment with extract isolated from L. barbarum significantly reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). In addition, it attenuated Abeta peptide-activated caspases-3-like activity. The extract elicited a typical dose-dependent neuroprotective effect. Effective dosage of this extract was wider than that of a well-known western neuroprotective medicine lithium chloride (LiCl). We have further examined the underlying mechanisms of the neuroprotective effects. In agreement with other laboratories, Abeta peptides induce a rapid activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) by phosphorylation. Pre-treatment of aqueous extract markedly reduced the phosphorylation of JNK-1 (Thr183/Tyr185) and its substrates c-Jun-I (Ser 73) and c-Jun-II (Ser 63). Taken together, we have proved our hypothesis by showing neuroprotective effects of the extract from L. barbarum. Study on anti-aging herbal medicine like L. barbarum may open a new therapeutic window for the prevention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Shan Yu
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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