We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Events

ATTENTION: Due to the COVID-19 PANDEMIC, many events are being rescheduled for a later date, converted into virtual venues, or altogether cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or website prior to planning for any forthcoming event.

Simple Blood Test Can Detect Predictive Biomarker for Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 Dec 2022
Print article
Image: Low levels of ergothioneine in blood plasma may predict increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia (Photo courtesy of NUS)
Image: Low levels of ergothioneine in blood plasma may predict increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia (Photo courtesy of NUS)

Ergothioneine (ET) is a unique diet-derived compound discovered more than 100 years ago by Charles Tanret. However, it was only in 2005 when scientists discovered a transporter specific for ET that facilitates the uptake and accumulation of ET in the body. Now, a new study has revealed that low levels of ET in blood plasma may predict an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, suggesting possible therapeutic or early screening measures for cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly.

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS, Singapore) demonstrated that ET is avidly retained in the human body following oral supplementation, and in preclinical models, ET is transported to almost all organs, although higher levels can be found in specific cells and tissues such as the blood cells, eyes, liver, lungs, and even the brain. Their earlier work demonstrated the potent antioxidant properties of ET and later its ability to protect cells from a range of different forms of stress and toxins. As its main dietary source is in mushrooms, it was found that increasing consumption of mushrooms such as golden, oyster, shiitake and white button mushrooms is associated with a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment in elderly Singaporeans. Low ET levels are also associated with a number of other age-related diseases such as frailty, cardiovascular disease and macular degeneration, so ET may have a more general role in maintaining health.

An earlier study by the research team in 2016 showed lower ET levels in blood plasma among participants with mild cognitive impairment. This was verified in a much larger group of cognitively impaired participants with and without dementia. However, evidence of whether a low level of ET in blood plasma can predict the progression of cognitive impairment and dementia was unknown. The most recent study by the NUS research team addresses these gaps in ET research by demonstrating the potential of ET as a predictive biomarker for cognitive impairment and dementia in elderly Singaporeans.

In the latest study, the research team recruited 470 elderly patients and followed them for up to five years. The researchers measured ET levels in the blood plasma of the participants and followed their cognitive and functional abilities at different time points. They then examined the link between low ET levels and the risk of cognitive and functional decline over time. The researchers showed that participants with lower levels of ET displayed poorer cognitive performance at the start of the study and an accelerated rate of decline in cognitive and functional abilities over the follow-up period.

The team also observed structural changes in the brain seen from MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans of the participants, which suggested that the association between a low ET level in blood and cognitive decline was due to underlying disease pathology. These structural changes, including reduced cortical thickness, lower hippocampus volume, and white matter hyperintensities, are characteristic of neurodegenerative disease. Based on this study, which showed that plasma ET levels in the blood can be a predictive biomarker for the risk of cognitive and functional decline, the research team hopes to gather further evidence of ET’s preventive and therapeutic potential through a double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial.

"Before this study, there was little evidence that ET levels in the blood can predict the risk of developing cognitive issues. The current study is significant because it measured the ET levels of elderly participants before developing dementia. Our findings demonstrate that if your ET levels are low, your risk of developing cognitive problems increases,” said Professor Barry Halliwell from the Department of Biochemistry under the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine who led the research team. “This points to the possibility of using a simple blood test to detect ET levels for early screening in the elderly to identify those who may have higher risk of cognitive decline.”

Related Links:
NUS

HLX
Gold Supplier
STI Real-Time PCR Test
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae/Chlamydia Trachomatis/U.urealyticum Real-Time PCR Kit
New
Spectrophotometer
UVILINE 9300
New
Semi-Automatic Biochemistry Analyzer
CA-80

Print article

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The Geo portable testing platform integrated with the Snap collection device (Photo courtesy of ReadyGo Diagnostics)

Ultra-Portable Rapid Test Platform Offers Complete Sample-to-Answer Solution for Remote and Off-Grid Testing

An ultra-portable isothermal molecular diagnostics system integrated with a patented device which combines sample collection and processing into a single, easy-to-use disposable is set to revolutionize... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Atellica HEMA 570 and 580 hematology analyzers remove workflow barriers (Photo courtesy of Siemens)

Next-Gen Hematology Analyzers Eliminate Workflow Roadblocks and Achieve Fast Throughput

Hematology testing is a critical aspect of patient care, utilized to establish a patient's health baseline, track treatment progress, or guide timely modifications to care. However, increasing constraints... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Newly observed anti-FSP antibodies have also been found to predict immune-related adverse events (Photo courtesy of Calviri)

First Blood-Based Biomarkers Test to Predict Treatment Response in Cancer Patients

Every year worldwide, lung cancer afflicts over two million individuals and almost the same number of people succumb to the disease. This malignancy leads the charts in cancer-related mortalities, with... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The rapid MTB strip test for tuberculosis can identify TB patients within two hours (Photo courtesy of Chulalongkorn University)

Rapid MTB Strip Test Detects Tuberculosis in Less Than an Hour without Special Tools

Tuberculosis (TB), a highly infectious disease, continues to pose significant challenges to public health worldwide. TB is caused by a bacterium known as "Mycobacterium tuberculosis," spreading through... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The UNIQO 160 (CE-IVDR) advances diagnostic analysis for autoimmune diseases (Photo courtesy of EUROIMMUN)

Novel Automated IIFT System Enables Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Analysis

A newly-launched automated indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) system for autoimmune disease diagnostics offers an all-in-one solution to enhance the efficiency of the complete IIFT process, comprising... Read more

Technology

view channel
Electronic biosensor uses DNA aptamers for detecting biomarkers in whole blood samples (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

Electronic Biosensor Detects Biomarkers in Whole Blood Samples without Addition of Reagents

The absence of robust, reliable, and user-friendly bioanalytical tools for early and timely diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, particularly sudden cardiac arrest, leads to preventable deaths and imposes... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: The global HbA1c testing devices market is expected to reach USD 2.56 billion in 2027 (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

Global Hemoglobin A1c Testing Devices Market Driven by Rising Prevalence of Diabetes

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), or glycated hemoglobin, refers to hemoglobin with glucose attached. HbA1c testing devices are used for blood tests that determine average blood glucose, or blood sugar levels.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2023 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.