Proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract:

Decreased cortical volume (as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging, MRI), hypometabolism in the temporal and parietal lobes (as determined by positron emission tomography, PET) and presence of some proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are considered the best predictive biomarkers of AD. Amyloid β1-42, total tau protein and phosphorylated forms of tau protein (especially ptau181, ptau199 and ptau231) are the most commonly used CSF markers. Unfortunately, these markers have been available for use only in highly-specialized institutions. Because there is no ideal marker, it is hoped that the advanced proteomic techniques will identify additional new compounds whose expression in patients with AD is altered very early in the course of the disease. It is believed that a combination of the above mentioned and newly discovered markers could provide the required specificity and sensitivity (above 85%), which would allow for accurate and reliable early (preclinical) diagnosis in cases of suspected dementia. 

Key words:
Alzheimer disease; biological markers; cerebrospinal fluid; dementia; early diagnosis; proteomics