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Fernström E, Jarfelt M, Blomstrand M, Lannering B, Axelsson M, Wasling P, Björk-Eriksson T, Zetterberg H, Kalm M. CSF biomarkers of neurotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors after cranial radiotherapy or surgery. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024. [PMID: 39030984 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatment of pediatric brain tumors is associated with potential long-term cognitive sequelae. Patients treated with craniospinal irradiation for posterior fossa tumors are at high risk. New biomarkers that could help to differentiate treatment effects from other causes of cognitive dysfunction would be valuable in tailoring optimal survivorship care. Biomarkers that reflect biological mechanisms behind treatment-associated cognitive decline would also be important in the evaluation of future treatment regimens for pediatric brain or skull base tumors. METHODS In this biomarker-finding study, 10 adult survivors of pediatric medulloblastoma, skull base tumors, and posterior fossa low-grade glioma underwent study specific lumbar puncture at a minimum of 17 years following treatment. We analyzed cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers reflecting neuron and astrocyte integrity, amyloid metabolism, inflammation, extracellular matrix, synaptic integrity, and blood-brain barrier function. The values were compared with biomarker levels in healthy controls of comparable age. RESULTS Biomarkers reflecting neuronal injury (neurofilament light chain protein), astrocyte injury or activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein) as well as inflammation (YKL-40) were significantly elevated in cancer survivors compared to controls. Biomarkers reflecting amyloid metabolism showed a pattern of decrease in patients treated for medulloblastoma. INTERPRETATION The results suggest a potential chronic low-grade neurodegeneration and astrocyte activation in patients treated for pediatric brain or skull base tumors. Protein biomarkers of CNS disease could potentially be used to increase our understanding of the contribution from different tumor treatments with regard to long-term symptoms in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Fernström
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marianne Jarfelt
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Blomstrand
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Lannering
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Markus Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pontus Wasling
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Björk-Eriksson
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Regional Cancer Centre West, Western Sweden Healthcare Region, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Marie Kalm
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Shanks HRC, Chen K, Reiman EM, Blennow K, Cummings JL, Massa SM, Longo FM, Börjesson-Hanson A, Windisch M, Schmitz TW. p75 neurotrophin receptor modulation in mild to moderate Alzheimer disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2a trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:1761-1770. [PMID: 38760589 PMCID: PMC11186782 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02977-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) signaling pathways substantially overlap with degenerative networks active in Alzheimer disease (AD). Modulation of p75NTR with the first-in-class small molecule LM11A-31 mitigates amyloid-induced and pathological tau-induced synaptic loss in preclinical models. Here we conducted a 26-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded phase 2a safety and exploratory endpoint trial of LM11A-31 in 242 participants with mild to moderate AD with three arms: placebo, 200 mg LM11A-31 and 400 mg LM11A-31, administered twice daily by oral capsules. This trial met its primary endpoint of safety and tolerability. Within the prespecified secondary and exploratory outcome domains (structural magnetic resonance imaging, fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers), significant drug-placebo differences were found, consistent with the hypothesis that LM11A-31 slows progression of pathophysiological features of AD; no significant effect of active treatment was observed on cognitive tests. Together, these results suggest that targeting p75NTR with LM11A-31 warrants further investigation in larger-scale clinical trials of longer duration. EU Clinical Trials registration: 2015-005263-16 ; ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03069014 .
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Grants
- R35 AG071476 NIA NIH HHS
- P30 AG072980 NIA NIH HHS
- SG-23-1038904 QC Alzheimer's Association
- 2022-00732 Vetenskapsrådet (Swedish Research Council)
- P20 GM109025 NIGMS NIH HHS
- R01 AG053798 NIA NIH HHS
- R35AG71476 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute on Aging (U.S. National Institute on Aging)
- ZEN-21-848495 Alzheimer's Association
- R01 AG051596 NIA NIH HHS
- P20GM109025 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
- 453677 Gouvernement du Canada | Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Instituts de Recherche en Santé du Canada)
- P20 AG068053 NIA NIH HHS
- 2017-00915 Vetenskapsrådet (Swedish Research Council)
- U01 AG024904 NIA NIH HHS
- R01AG053798 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute on Aging (U.S. National Institute on Aging)
- R25 AG083721-01 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute on Aging (U.S. National Institute on Aging)
- R25 AG083721 NIA NIH HHS
- Jonathan and Joshua Memorial Foundation Government of Ontario
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute on Aging (U.S. National Institute on Aging)
- State of Arizona
- Alzheimer’s Association
- the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the County Councils, the ALF-agreement (#ALFGBG-715986 and #ALFGBG-965240), the Swedish Alzheimer Foundation (#AF-930351, #AF-939721 and #AF-968270), Hjärnfonden, Sweden (#FO2017-0243 and #ALZ2022-0006), La Fondation Recherche Alzheimer (FRA), Paris, France, the Kirsten and Freddy Johansen Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Familjen Rönströms Stiftelse, Stockholm, Sweden.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
- Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)
- Ted and Maria Quirk Endowment; Joy Chambers-Grundy Endowment.
- San Francisco VA Health Care System
- National Institutes of Aging (NIA AD Pilot Trial 1R01AG051596) PharmatrophiX (Menlo Park, California)
- Alzheimer’s Society of Canada (176677)
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley R C Shanks
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Kewei Chen
- Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Downtown, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Eric M Reiman
- Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jeffrey L Cummings
- Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Stephen M Massa
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Anne Börjesson-Hanson
- Clinical Trials, Department of Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Taylor W Schmitz
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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3
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Dark HE, Duggan MR, Walker KA. Plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer's and related dementias: A review and outlook for clinical neuropsychology. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 39:313-324. [PMID: 38520383 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent technological advances have improved the sensitivity and specificity of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Accurate quantification of amyloid-ß peptide, phosphorylated tau (pTau) isoforms, as well as markers of neurodegeneration (neurofilament light chain [NfL]) and neuro-immune activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] and chitinase-3-like protein 1 [YKL-40]) in blood has allowed researchers to characterize neurobiological processes at scale in a cost-effective and minimally invasive manner. Although currently used primarily for research purposes, these blood-based biomarkers have the potential to be highly impactful in the clinical setting - aiding in diagnosis, predicting disease risk, and monitoring disease progression. Whereas plasma NfL has shown promise as a non-specific marker of neuronal injury, plasma pTau181, pTau217, pTau231, and GFAP have demonstrated desirable levels of sensitivity and specificity for identification of individuals with Alzheimer's disease pathology and Alzheimer's dementia. In this forward looking review, we (i) provide an overview of the most commonly used blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, (ii) discuss how comorbid medical conditions, demographic, and genetic factors can inform the interpretation of these biomarkers, (iii) describe ongoing efforts to move blood-based biomarkers into the clinic, and (iv) highlight the central role that clinical neuropsychologists may play in contextualizing and communicating blood-based biomarker results for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Dark
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael R Duggan
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Keenan A Walker
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
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4
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Bhalala OG, Watson R, Yassi N. Multi-Omic Blood Biomarkers as Dynamic Risk Predictors in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1231. [PMID: 38279230 PMCID: PMC10816901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, accounting for a growing burden of morbidity and mortality. Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease before symptoms are established is clinically challenging, but would provide therapeutic windows for disease-modifying interventions. Blood biomarkers, including genetics, proteins and metabolites, are emerging as powerful predictors of Alzheimer's disease at various timepoints within the disease course, including at the preclinical stage. In this review, we discuss recent advances in such blood biomarkers for determining disease risk. We highlight how leveraging polygenic risk scores, based on genome-wide association studies, can help stratify individuals along their risk profile. We summarize studies analyzing protein biomarkers, as well as report on recent proteomic- and metabolomic-based prediction models. Finally, we discuss how a combination of multi-omic blood biomarkers can potentially be used in memory clinics for diagnosis and to assess the dynamic risk an individual has for developing Alzheimer's disease dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oneil G. Bhalala
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia; (R.W.); (N.Y.)
- Department of Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Australia
| | - Rosie Watson
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia; (R.W.); (N.Y.)
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Australia
| | - Nawaf Yassi
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia; (R.W.); (N.Y.)
- Department of Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Australia
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5
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Olğun Y, Poyraz CA, Bozluolçay M, Konukoğlu D, Poyraz BÇ. Plasma Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Dementias: Unrevealing the Potential of Serum Oxytocin, BDNF, NPTX1, TREM2, TNF-alpha, IL-1 and Prolactin. Curr Alzheimer Res 2024; 21:109-119. [PMID: 38803182 DOI: 10.2174/0115672050313419240520051751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia encompasses a range of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cognitive decline and functional impairment. The identification of reliable biomarkers is essential for accurate diagnosis and gaining insights into the mechanisms underlying diseases. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the plasma biomarker profiles associated with Brain- Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Oxytocin, Neuronal Pentraxin-1 (NPTX1), Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interleukin- 1 (IL-1) and Prolactin in Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), frontotemporal dementias (FTD) and healthy controls. METHODS Serum levels of the aforementioned biomarkers were analyzed in 23 AD, 28 DLB, 15 FTD patients recruited from outpatient units and 22 healthy controls. Diagnostic evaluations followed established criteria and standardized clinical tests were conducted. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using ELISA and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay methods. RESULTS Serum BDNF and oxytocin levels did not significantly differ across groups. NPTX1, TREM2, TNF-alpha and IL-1 levels also did not show significant differences among dementia groups. However, prolactin levels exhibited distinct patterns, with lower levels in male DLB patients and higher levels in female AD patients compared to controls. CONCLUSION The study findings suggest potential shared mechanisms in dementia pathophysiology and highlight the importance of exploring neuroendocrine responses, particularly in AD and DLB. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the role of these biomarkers in dementia diagnosis and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeşim Olğun
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cana Aksoy Poyraz
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melda Bozluolçay
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dildar Konukoğlu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burç Çağrı Poyraz
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
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6
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La Rosa F, Agostini S, Piancone F, Marventano I, Hernis A, Fenoglio C, Galimberti D, Scarpini E, Saresella M, Clerici M. TREM2 Expression and Amyloid-Beta Phagocytosis in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108626. [PMID: 37239970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia; its key pathological findings include the deposition of extracellular-neurotoxic-plaques composed of amyloid-beta (Ab). AD-pathogenesis involves mechanisms that operate outside the brain, and new researches indicate that peripheral inflammation is an early event in the disease. Herein, we focus on a receptor known as triggering-receptor-expressed-on-myeloid-cells2 (TREM2), which promotes the optimal immune cells function required to attenuate AD-progression and is, therefore, a potential target as peripheral diagnostic and prognostic-biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease. The objective of this exploratory study was to analyze: (1) soluble-TREM2 (sTREM2) plasma and cerebrospinal fluid concentration, (2) TREM2-mRNA, (3) the percentage of TREM2-expressing monocytes, and (4) the concentration of miR-146a-5p and miR-34a-5p suspected to influence TREM2 transcription. Experiments were performed on PBMC collected by 15AD patients and 12age-matched healthy controls that were unstimulated or treated in inflammatory (LPS) conditions and Ab42 for 24 h; Aβ42-phagocytosis was also analyzed by AMNIS FlowSight. Results although preliminary, due to limitations by the small sample-size, showed that in AD compared to HC: TREM2 expressing monocytes were reduced, plasma sTREM2 concentration and TREM2-mRNA were significantly upregulated and Ab42-phagocytosis was diminished (for all p < 0.05). miR-34a-5p expression was reduced (p = 0.02) as well in PBMC of AD, and miR-146 was only observed in AD cells (p = 0.0001).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ambra Hernis
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20147 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Fenoglio
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Elio Scarpini
- Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20147 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy
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7
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Kumar A, Fontana IC, Nordberg A. Reactive astrogliosis: A friend or foe in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2023; 164:309-324. [PMID: 34931315 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly efficient homeostatic glial cells playing a crucial role in optimal brain functioning and homeostasis. Astrocytes respond to changes in brain homoeostasis following central nervous system (CNS) injury/diseased state by a specific defence mechanism called reactive astrogliosis. Recent studies have implicated and placed reactive astrogliosis in the centre of pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. The AD biomarker field is evolving rapidly with new findings providing strong evidence which supports the notion that a reactive astrogliosis is an early event in the time course of AD progression which may precede other pathological hallmarks of AD. Clinical/translational in vivo PET and in vitro postmortem brain imaging studies demonstrated 'a first and second wave' of reactive astrogliosis in AD with distinct close-loop relationships with other pathological biomarkers at different stages of the disease. At the end stages, reactive astrocytes are found to be associated, or in proximity, with amyloid plaque and tau pathological deposits in postmortem AD brains. Several new PET-tracers, which are being in pipeline and validated at a very fast pace for mapping and visualising reactive astrogliosis in the brain, will provide further invaluable mechanistic insights into AD and other non-AD dementia pathologies. The complementary roles of microglia and astrocyte activation in AD progression, along with the clinical value of new fluid astrocytes biomarkers in the context of existing biomarkers, are the latest avenue that needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Igor C Fontana
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Nordberg
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) characterization has progressed from being indexed using clinical symptomatology followed by neuropathological examination at autopsy to in vivo signatures using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and positron emission tomography. The core AD biomarkers reflect amyloid-β plaques (A), tau pathology (T) and neurodegeneration (N), following the ATN schedule, and are now being introduced into clinical routine practice. This is an important development, as disease-modifying treatments are now emerging. Further, there are now reproducible data on CSF biomarkers which reflect synaptic pathology, neuroinflammation and common co-pathologies. In addition, the development of ultrasensitive techniques has enabled the core CSF biomarkers of AD pathophysiology to be translated to blood (e.g., phosphorylated tau, amyloid-β and neurofilament light). In this chapter, we review where we stand with both core and novel CSF biomarkers, as well as the explosion of data on blood biomarkers. Also, we discuss potential applications in research aiming to better understand the disease, as well as possible use in routine clinical practice and therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Simrén
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Anders Elmgren
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
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Weber GE, Khrestian M, Tuason ED, Shao Y, Pillai J, Rao S, Feng H, Zhou Y, Cheng F, DeSilva TM, Stauffer S, Leverenz JB, Bekris LM. Peripheral sTREM2-Related Inflammatory Activity Alterations in Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:2283-2299. [PMID: 35523454 PMCID: PMC9117433 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been linked to multiple immune system-related genetic variants. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) genetic variants are risk factors for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) isoform is elevated in cerebrospinal fluid in the early stages of AD and is associated with slower cognitive decline in a disease stage-dependent manner. Multiple studies have reported an altered peripheral immune response in AD. However, less is known about the relationship between peripheral sTREM2 and an altered peripheral immune response in AD. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between human plasma sTREM2 and inflammatory activity in AD. The hypothesis of this exploratory study was that sTREM2-related inflammatory activity differs by AD stage. We observed different patterns of inflammatory activity across AD stages that implicate early-stage alterations in peripheral sTREM2-related inflammatory activity in AD. Notably, fractalkine showed a significant relationship with sTREM2 across different analyses in the control groups that was lost in later AD-related stages with high levels in mild cognitive impairment. Although multiple other inflammatory factors either differed significantly between groups or were significantly correlated with sTREM2 within specific groups, three inflammatory factors (fibroblast growth factor-2, GM-CSF, and IL-1β) are notable because they exhibited both lower levels in AD, compared with mild cognitive impairment, and a change in the relationship with sTREM2. This evidence provides important support to the hypothesis that sTREM2-related inflammatory activity alterations are AD stage specific and provides critical information for therapeutic strategies focused on the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Weber
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | | | | | - Yvonne Shao
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Jagan Pillai
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Stephen Rao
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Yadi Zhou
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Feixiong Cheng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Tara M DeSilva
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; and
| | - Shaun Stauffer
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - James B Leverenz
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Lynn M Bekris
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH;
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10
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Li TR, Yang Q, Hu X, Han Y. Biomarkers and Tools for Predicting Alzheimer's Disease in the Preclinical Stage. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:713-737. [PMID: 34030620 PMCID: PMC9878962 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210524153901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the only leading cause of death for which no disease-modifying therapy is currently available. Over the past decade, a string of disappointing clinical trial results has forced us to shift our focus to the preclinical stage of AD, which represents the most promising therapeutic window. However, the accurate diagnosis of preclinical AD requires the presence of brain β- amyloid deposition determined by cerebrospinal fluid or amyloid-positron emission tomography, significantly limiting routine screening and diagnosis in non-tertiary hospital settings. Thus, an easily accessible marker or tool with high sensitivity and specificity is highly needed. Recently, it has been discovered that individuals in the late stage of preclinical AD may not be truly "asymptomatic" in that they may have already developed subtle or subjective cognitive decline. In addition, advances in bloodderived biomarker studies have also allowed the detection of pathologic changes in preclinical AD. Exosomes, as cell-to-cell communication messengers, can reflect the functional changes of their source cell. Methodological advances have made it possible to extract brain-derived exosomes from peripheral blood, making exosomes an emerging biomarker carrier and liquid biopsy tool for preclinical AD. The eye and its associated structures have rich sensory-motor innervation. In this regard, studies have indicated that they may also provide reliable markers. Here, our report covers the current state of knowledge of neuropsychological and eye tests as screening tools for preclinical AD and assesses the value of blood and brain-derived exosomes as carriers of biomarkers in conjunction with the current diagnostic paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Ran Li
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Xiaochen Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, 50924, Germany
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China;,Center of Alzheimer’s Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100053, China;,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Beijing, 100053, China;,School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China;,Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China; Tel: +86 13621011941; E-mail:
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11
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Álvarez-Sánchez L, Peña-Bautista C, Baquero M, Cháfer-Pericás C. Novel Ultrasensitive Detection Technologies for the Identification of Early and Minimally Invasive Alzheimer's Disease Blood Biomarkers. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 86:1337-1369. [PMID: 35213367 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single molecule array (SIMOA) and other ultrasensitive detection technologies have allowed the determination of blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) for diagnosis and monitoring, thereby opening up a promising field of research. OBJECTIVE To review the published bibliography on plasma biomarkers in AD using new ultrasensitive techniques. METHODS A systematic review of the PubMed database was carried out to identify reports on the use of blood-based ultrasensitive technology to identify biomarkers for AD. RESULTS Based on this search, 86 works were included and classified according to the biomarker determined. First, plasma amyloid-β showed satisfactory accuracy as an AD biomarker in patients with a high risk of developing dementia. Second, plasma t-Tau displayed good sensitivity in detecting different neurodegenerative diseases. Third, plasma p-Tau was highly specific for AD. Fourth, plasma NfL was highly sensitive for distinguishing between patients with neurodegenerative diseases and healthy controls. In general, the simultaneous determination of several biomarkers facilitated greater accuracy in diagnosing AD (Aβ42/Aβ40, p-Tau181/217). CONCLUSION The recent development of ultrasensitive technology allows the determination of blood-based biomarkers with high sensitivity, thus facilitating the early detection of AD through the analysis of easily obtained biological samples. In short, as a result of this knowledge, pre-symptomatic and early AD diagnosis may be possible, and the recruitment process for future clinical trials could be more precise. However, further studies are necessary to standardize levels of blood-based biomarkers in the general population and thus achieve reproducible results among different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Peña-Bautista
- Alzheimer Disease Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Baquero
- Division of Neurology, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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12
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Zhang SS, Zhu L, Peng Y, Zhang L, Chao FL, Jiang L, Xiao Q, Liang X, Tang J, Yang H, He Q, Guo YJ, Zhou CN, Tang Y. Long-term running exercise improves cognitive function and promotes microglial glucose metabolism and morphological plasticity in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:34. [PMID: 35123512 PMCID: PMC8817568 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02401-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The role of physical exercise in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been widely studied. Microglia play an important role in AD. Triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is expressed on microglia and is known to mediate microglial metabolic activity and brain glucose metabolism. However, the relationship between brain glucose metabolism and microglial metabolic activity during running exercise in APP/PS1 mice remains unclear. Methods Ten-month-old male APP/PS1 mice and wild-type mice were randomly divided into sedentary groups or running groups (AD_Sed, WT_Sed, AD_Run and WT_Run, n = 20/group). Running mice had free access to a running wheel for 3 months. Behavioral tests, [18]F-FDG-PET and hippocampal RNA-Seq were performed. The expression levels of microglial glucose transporter (GLUT5), TREM2, soluble TREM2 (sTREM2), TYRO protein tyrosine kinase binding protein (TYROBP), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and phosphorylated spleen tyrosine kinase (p-SYK) were estimated by western blot or ELISA. Immunohistochemistry, stereological methods and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the morphology, proliferation and activity of microglia. Results Long-term voluntary running significantly improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice. Although there were few differentially expressed genes (DEGs), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed enriched glycometabolic pathways in APP/PS1 running mice. Running exercise increased FDG uptake in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice, as well as the protein expression of GLUT5, TREM2, SPP1 and p-SYK. The level of sTREM2 decreased in the plasma of APP/PS1 running mice. The number of microglia, the length and endpoints of microglial processes, and the ratio of GLUT5+/IBA1+ microglia were increased in the dentate gyrus (DG) of APP/PS1 running mice. Running exercise did not alter the number of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU)+/IBA1+ microglia but reduced the immunoactivity of CD68 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Conclusions Running exercise inhibited TREM2 shedding and maintained TREM2 protein levels, which were accompanied by the promotion of brain glucose metabolism, microglial glucose metabolism and morphological plasticity in the hippocampus of AD mice. Microglia might be a structural target responsible for the benefits of running exercise in AD. Promoting microglial glucose metabolism and morphological plasticity modulated by TREM2 might be a novel strategy for AD treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02401-5.
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13
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Filipello F, Goldsbury C, Feng YS, Locca A, Karch CM, Piccio L. Soluble TREM2: Innocent bystander or active player in neurological diseases? Neurobiol Dis 2022; 165:105630. [PMID: 35041990 PMCID: PMC10108835 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is an innate immune receptor expressed by macrophages and microglia in the central nervous system (CNS). TREM2 has attracted a lot of interest in the past decade for its critical role in modulating microglia functions under homeostatic conditions and in neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic variation in TREM2 is sufficient to cause Nasu-Hakola disease, a rare pre-senile dementia with bone cysts, and to increase risk for Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Beyond the role played by TREM2 genetic variants in these diseases, TREM2 engagement is a key step in microglia activation in response to different types of tissue injury (e.g. β-Amyloid deposition, demyelination, apoptotic cell death) leading to enhanced microglia metabolism, phagocytosis, proliferation and survival. TREM2 also exists as a soluble form (sTREM2), generated from receptor shedding or alternative splicing, which is detectable in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Genetic variation, physiological conditions and disease status impact CSF sTREM2 levels. Clinical and preclinical studies suggest that targeting and/or monitoring sTREM2 could have clinical and therapeutic implications. Despite the critical role of sTREM2 in neurologic disease, its function remains poorly understood. Here, we review the current literature on sTREM2 regarding its origin, genetic variation, and possible functions as a biomarker in neurological disorders and as a potential active player in CNS diseases and target for therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabia Filipello
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Claire Goldsbury
- Brain and Mind Centre and Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - You Shih Feng
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alberto Locca
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Celeste M Karch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Laura Piccio
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Brain and Mind Centre and Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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14
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Rodriguez-Vieitez E, Ashton NJ. Plasma sTREM2: a potential marker of cerebrovascular injury in neurodegenerative disorders. Brain 2021; 144:3283-3285. [PMID: 34672320 PMCID: PMC8677507 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rodriguez-Vieitez
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health and Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation, London, UK
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15
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Tsai HH, Chen YF, Yen RF, Lo YL, Yang KC, Jeng JS, Tsai LK, Chang CF. Plasma soluble TREM2 is associated with white matter lesions independent of amyloid and tau. Brain 2021; 144:3371-3380. [PMID: 34515756 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease is one of the most common causes of cognitive decline and stroke. While several lines of evidence have established a relationship between inflammation and cerebrovascular pathology, the mechanistic link has not yet been elucidated. Recent studies suggest activation of immune mediators, including the soluble form of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), may be critical regulators. In this study, we compared the plasma levels of soluble TREM2 and its correlations with neuroimaging markers and cerebral amyloid load in ten patients with Alzheimer's disease and 66 survivors of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage with cerebral amyloid angiopathy or hypertensive small vessel disease, two of the most common types of sporadic small vessel disease. We performed brain MRI and 11C-Pittsburgh compound B PET for all participants to evaluate radiological small vessel disease markers and cerebral amyloid burden, and 18F-T807 PET in a subgroup of patients to evaluate cortical tau pathology. Plasma soluble TREM2 levels were comparable between patients with Alzheimer's disease and small vessel disease (P=0.690). In patients with small vessel disease, plasma soluble TREM2 was significantly associated with white matter hyperintensity volume (P<0.001), but not with cerebral amyloid load. Among patients with Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, plasma soluble TREM2 was independently associated with a tau-positive scan (P=0.001) and white matter hyperintensity volume (P=0.013), but not amyloid load (P=0.221). Our results indicate plasma soluble TREM2 is associated with white matter hyperintensity independent of amyloid and tau pathology. These findings highlight the potential utility of plasma soluble TREM2 as a strong predictive marker for small vessel disease-related white matter injury and hold clinical implications for targeting the innate immune response when treating this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hsi Tsai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Beihu Branch, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, 3Medical Imaging, and 4Nuclear Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Fang Chen
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ruoh-Fang Yen
- Department and Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ling Lo
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Beihu Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chien Yang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Shing Jeng
- Department of Neurology, 3Medical Imaging, and 4Nuclear Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kai Tsai
- Department of Neurology, 3Medical Imaging, and 4Nuclear Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Feng Chang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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Alawode DOT, Heslegrave AJ, Ashton NJ, Karikari TK, Simrén J, Montoliu‐Gaya L, Pannee J, O´Connor A, Weston PSJ, Lantero‐Rodriguez J, Keshavan A, Snellman A, Gobom J, Paterson RW, Schott JM, Blennow K, Fox NC, Zetterberg H. Transitioning from cerebrospinal fluid to blood tests to facilitate diagnosis and disease monitoring in Alzheimer's disease. J Intern Med 2021; 290:583-601. [PMID: 34021943 PMCID: PMC8416781 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly prevalent worldwide, and disease-modifying treatments may soon be at hand; hence, now, more than ever, there is a need to develop techniques that allow earlier and more secure diagnosis. Current biomarker-based guidelines for AD diagnosis, which have replaced the historical symptom-based guidelines, rely heavily on neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. While these have greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy of AD pathophysiology, they are less practical for application in primary care, population-based and epidemiological settings, or where resources are limited. In contrast, blood is a more accessible and cost-effective source of biomarkers in AD. In this review paper, using the recently proposed amyloid, tau and neurodegeneration [AT(N)] criteria as a framework towards a biological definition of AD, we discuss recent advances in biofluid-based biomarkers, with a particular emphasis on those with potential to be translated into blood-based biomarkers. We provide an overview of the research conducted both in CSF and in blood to draw conclusions on biomarkers that show promise. Given the evidence collated in this review, plasma neurofilament light chain (N) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau; T) show particular potential for translation into clinical practice. However, p-tau requires more comparisons to be conducted between its various epitopes before conclusions can be made as to which one most robustly differentiates AD from non-AD dementias. Plasma amyloid beta (A) would prove invaluable as an early screening modality, but it requires very precise tests and robust pre-analytical protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. O. T. Alawode
- From theDepartment of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUK
| | - A. J. Heslegrave
- From theDepartment of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUK
| | - N. J. Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineDepartment of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Old Age PsychiatryInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing’s College LondonLondonUK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health & Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London & Maudsley NHS FoundationLondonUK
| | - T. K. Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - J. Simrén
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
| | - L. Montoliu‐Gaya
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - J. Pannee
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
| | - A. O´Connor
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUK
- Dementia Research CentreDepartment of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - P. S. J. Weston
- Dementia Research CentreDepartment of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - J. Lantero‐Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - A. Keshavan
- Dementia Research CentreDepartment of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - A. Snellman
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Turku PET CentreUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - J. Gobom
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
| | - R. W. Paterson
- Dementia Research CentreDepartment of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - J. M. Schott
- Dementia Research CentreDepartment of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - K. Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
| | - N. C. Fox
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUK
- Dementia Research CentreDepartment of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - H. Zetterberg
- From theDepartment of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUK
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
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17
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Zhang PF, Hu H, Tan L, Yu JT. Microglia Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:3388-3404. [PMID: 33713018 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02348-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early detection and clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have become an extremely important link in the prevention and treatment of AD. Because of the occult onset, the diagnosis and treatment of AD based on clinical symptoms are increasingly challenged by current severe situations. Therefore, molecular diagnosis models based on early AD pathological markers have received more attention. Among the possible pathological mechanisms, microglia which are necessary for normal brain function are highly expected and have been continuously studied in various models. Several AD biomarkers already exist, but currently there is a paucity of specific and sensitive microglia biomarkers which can accurately measure preclinical AD. Bringing microglia biomarkers into the molecular diagnostic system which is based on fluid and neuroimaging will play an important role in future scientific research and clinical practice. Furthermore, developing novel, more specific, and sensitive microglia biomarkers will make it possible to pharmaceutically target chemical pathways that preserve beneficial microglial functions in response to AD pathology. This review discusses microglia biomarkers in the context of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, China.
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Edén A, Simrén J, Price RW, Zetterberg H, Gisslén M. Neurochemical biomarkers to study CNS effects of COVID-19: a narrative review and synthesis. J Neurochem 2021; 159:61-77. [PMID: 34170549 PMCID: PMC8420435 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Neurological symptoms are frequently reported in patients suffering from COVID‐19. Common CNS‐related symptoms include anosmia, caused by viral interaction with either neurons or supporting cells in nasal olfactory tissues. Diffuse encephalopathy is the most common sign of CNS dysfunction, which likely results from the CNS consequences of the systemic inflammatory syndrome associated with severe COVID‐19. Additionally, microvascular injuries and thromboembolic events likely contribute to the neurologic impact of acute COVID‐19. These observations are supported by evidence of CNS immune activation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in autopsy tissue, along with the detection of microvascular injuries in both pathological and neuroimaging studies. The frequent occurrence of thromboembolic events in patients with COVID‐19 has generated different hypotheses, among which viral interaction with perivascular cells is particularly attractive, yet unproven. A distinguishing feature of CSF findings in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is that clinical signs characteristic of neurotropic viral infections (CSF pleocytosis and blood–brain barrier injury) are mild or absent. Moreover, virus detection in CSF is rare and often of uncertain significance. In this review, we provide an overview of the neurological impact that occurs in the acute phase of COVID‐19, and the role of CSF biomarkers in the clinical management and research to better treat and understand the disease. In addition to aiding as diagnostic and prognostic tools during acute infection, the use of comprehensive and well‐characterized CSF and blood biomarkers will be vital in understanding the potential impact on the CNS in the rapidly increasing number of individuals recovering from COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvid Edén
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joel Simrén
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Richard W Price
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.,Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Magnus Gisslén
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Gothenburg, Sweden
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19
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The relationship of soluble TREM2 to other biomarkers of sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13050. [PMID: 34158530 PMCID: PMC8219697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92101-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial activation is a central player in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The soluble fragment of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) can serve as a marker for microglial activation and has been shown to be overexpressed in AD. However, the relationship of sTREM2 with other AD biomarkers has not been extensively studied. We investigated the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sTREM2 and other AD biomarkers and examined the correlation of plasma sTREM2 with CSF sTREM2 in a cohort of individuals with AD and without AD. Participants were consecutively recruited from Asan Medical Center from 2018 to 2020. Subjects were stratified by their amyloid positivity and clinical status. Along with other AD biomarkers, sTREM2 level was measured in the plasma as well as CSF. In 101 patients with either amyloid-positive or negative status, CSF sTREM2 was closely associated with CSF T-tau and P-tau and not with Abeta42. CSF sTREM2 levels were found to be strongly correlated with CSF neurofilament light chain. The comparison of CSF and plasma sTREM2 levels tended to have an inverse correlation. Plasma sTREM2 and P-tau levels were oppositely influenced by age. Our results suggest that neuroinflammation may be closely associated with tau-induced neurodegeneration.
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20
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Ferri E, Rossi PD, Geraci A, Ciccone S, Cesari M, Arosio B. The sTREM2 Concentrations in the Blood: A Marker of Neurodegeneration? Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:627931. [PMID: 33768114 PMCID: PMC7985346 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.627931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia performs a variety of functions during brain development designed to maintain brain homeostasis. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is expressed in microglial cells modulating phagocytosis, cytokine production, cell proliferation, and cell survival. Interestingly, the levels of soluble TREM2 (the secreted ectodomain of TREM2, sTREM2) were higher in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients than subjects without cognitive decline. It is noteworthy that, while CSF sTREM2 levels have been extensively studied, few studies have investigated sTREM2 in blood producing conflicting results. We aimed to investigate the levels of sTREM2 in CSF and blood from a cohort of well-characterized AD comparing the results to those obtained in patients suffering from idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), a potentially reversible cognitive impairment. Our findings underlined a significantly lower plasma sTREM2 concentration in AD patients compared to iNPH subjects [39.1 ng/mL (standard deviation (SD), 15.0) and 47.2 ng/mL (SD, 19.5), respectively; p = 0.01], whereas no difference was revealed between the two groups in the CSF sTREM2 levels. The adjusted regression analyses evidenced in AD patients an association between plasma and CSF sTREM2 levels [B = 0.411; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.137-0.685, p = 0.004], as well as β-amyloid concentrations (B = 0.035; 95% CI, 0.007-0.063, p = 0.01) and an association between CSF sTREM2 and phospho-Tau concentrations (B = 0.248; 95% CI, 0.053-0.443; p = 0.01). No significant relation was found in iNPH patients. In conclusion, these differences in sTREM2 profiles between AD and iNPH reinforce the notion that this receptor has a role in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Ferri
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Dionigi Rossi
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Geraci
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Ciccone
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Cesari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Geriatric Unit, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Arosio
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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21
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Clinical Utility of the Pathogenesis-Related Proteins in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228661. [PMID: 33212853 PMCID: PMC7698353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on the Aβ cascade and alternations of biomarkers in neuro-inflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal injury followed by Aβ have progressed. But the question is how to use the biomarkers. Here, we examine the evidence and pathogenic implications of protein interactions and the time order of alternation. After the deposition of Aβ, the change of tau, neurofilament light chain (NFL), and neurogranin (Ng) is the main alternation and connection to others. Neuro-inflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal injury function is exhibited prior to the structural and metabolic changes in the brain following Aβ deposition. The time order of such biomarkers compared to the tau protein is not clear. Despite the close relationship between biomarkers and plaque Aβ deposition, several factors favor one or the other. There is an interaction between some proteins that can predict the brain amyloid burden. The Aβ cascade hypothesis could be the pathway, but not all subjects suffer from Alzheimer's disease (AD) within a long follow-up, even with very elevated Aβ. The interaction of biomarkers and the time order of change require further research to identify the right subjects and right molecular target for precision medicine therapies.
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22
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Significance of Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease: Sensitivity, Specificity and Potential for Clinical Use. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10030116. [PMID: 32911755 PMCID: PMC7565390 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, affecting more than 5 million Americans, with steadily increasing mortality and incredible socio-economic burden. Not only have therapeutic efforts so far failed to reach significant efficacy, but the real pathogenesis of the disease is still obscure. The current theories are based on pathological findings of amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles that accumulate in the brain parenchyma of affected patients. These findings have defined, together with the extensive neurodegeneration, the diagnostic criteria of the disease. The ability to detect changes in the levels of amyloid and tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) first, and more recently in blood, has allowed us to use these biomarkers for the specific in-vivo diagnosis of AD in humans. Furthermore, other pathological elements of AD, such as the loss of neurons, inflammation and metabolic derangement, have translated to the definition of other CSF and blood biomarkers, which are not specific of the disease but, when combined with amyloid and tau, correlate with the progression from mild cognitive impairment to AD dementia, or identify patients who will develop AD pathology. In this review, we discuss the role of current and hypothetical biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, their specificity, and the caveats of current high-sensitivity platforms for their peripheral detection.
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