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 hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Elevated Plasma Levels of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Indicate Increased Alzheimer’s Risk

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Mar 2021
A recent study has demonstrated that plasma levels of the protein GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) are elevated in cognitively normal older adults at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

GFAP is a protein in the cytoskeleton of brain astrocytes. More...
Previous studies have shown that it can be measured in blood samples and is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, plasma GFAP has not been investigated in cognitively normal older adults at risk of AD, based on brain amyloid-beta (Abeta) load.

In the current study, investigators at Edith Cowan University (Perth, Australia) compared plasma GFAP levels between cognitively normal older adults with low brain Abeta load (Abeta−) and cognitively normal older adults at risk of AD, due to high brain Abeta load, (Abeta+). They postulated that plasma GFAP levels would be higher in the Abeta+ group compared to the Abeta− group.

To confirm this hypothesis, the investigators used the Quanterix (Billerica, MA, USA) Simoa GFAP Discovery Kit on the ultra-sensitive Single molecule array (Simoa) platform (HDx instrument) to measure levels of GFAP, Abeta1–42, and Abeta1–40. Cross-sectional analyses were carried out for plasma GFAP and plasma Abeta1–42/Abeta1–40 ratio, a blood-based marker associated with brain Abeta load, in participants (65–90 years) categorized into low (Abeta−) and high (Abeta+) brain Abeta load groups via Abeta positron emission tomography (PET).

Results revealed that plasma GFAP levels were significantly higher, and plasma Abeta1–42/Abeta1–40 ratios were significantly lower, in Aβ+ participants compared to Aβ− participants. This finding demonstrated that plasma GFAP levels were elevated in cognitively normal older adults at risk of AD. Furthermore, these observations suggested that astrocytic damage or activation began from the pre-symptomatic stage of AD and was associated with brain Abeta load.

"Blood biomarkers are becoming an exciting alternative to the existing expensive and invasive methods of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease," said senior author Dr. Ralph N. Martins, professor of aging & Alzheimers disease at Edith Cowan University. "The GFAP biomarker could be used to develop a simple and quick blood test to detect if a person is at very high risk of developing Alzheimer's. Early diagnosis is critical to allow us to implement medication and lifestyle interventions that can help delay the progression of the disease and give people more time before symptoms develop."

The study was published in the January 11, 2021, online edition of the journal Translational Psychiatry.

Related Links:
Edith Cowan University
Quanterix



Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Autoimmune Disease Diagnostic
Chorus ds-DNA-G
New
Staining Management Software
DakoLink
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
These images illustrate how precision oncology Organ Chips recapitulate individual patients’ responses to chemotherapy (Photo courtesy of Wyss Institute at Harvard University)

Cancer Chip Accurately Predicts Patient-Specific Chemotherapy Response

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), one of the two primary types of esophageal cancer, ranks as the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and currently lacks effective targeted therapies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.