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
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Biomarkers Revealed for Cognitive Impairment in PD

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 31 May 2017
Biomarkers have been identified that could predict the cognitive impairment typical of Parkinson's Disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disease that affects about half a million people in the USA, with approximately 50,000 people receive a PD diagnosis every year.

While there is no cure for PD, there are therapies that aim to slow down the advancement of the disease. More...
Usually, however, PD is diagnosed when the symptoms become apparent, by which time the neurons affected have already been lost. This reduces the effectiveness of treatments that aim to delay PD's progression.

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and their colleagues examined 423 patients from 33 international centers for movement disorder, who had recently been diagnosed with PD. The patients had no symptoms of cognitive decline at the beginning of the study, in 2010. The patients were clinically followed for three years. In order to assess the predictive potential of certain biomarkers, the team conducted a series of tests.

The investigators analyzed 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, or genetic variations) that had been previously associated with cognition in PD. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers were measured using the xMAP INNO-BIA AlzBio3 immunoassay for total tau, p-tau181 and beta-amyloid 1–42 (Aβ42). Finally, they ran a range of brain scans, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). They studied dopamine transporters, which are proteins that control the dynamic of the dopamine neurotransmitter in the brain and whose abnormal levels have been previously associated with PD. They also examined the volume and thickness of the brain.

The scientists found biomarkers that predicted cognitive decline including a deficiency in dopamine, a "diffuse" decrease in the brain volume across the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, pathological levels of beta-amyloid plaques which is similar to those found in Alzheimer's disease and some genetic variations. The study also found SNPs in the Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes, which had been previously shown to correlate with cognitive impairment.

Daniel Weintraub, MD, an associate professor of psychiatry and the lead investigator said, “Cognitive impairment in de novo Parkinson's disease increases in frequency 50% to 200% in the first several years of disease depending on the definition used, and is independently predicted by biomarker changes related to nigrostriatal or cortical dopaminergic deficits, global atrophy due to possible widespread effects of neurodegenerative disease, co-morbid Alzheimer's disease amyloid plaque pathology, and a mix of genetic factors.” The study was published on May 17, 2017, in the journal Public Library of Science ONE.


Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Silver Member
Quality Control Material
Multichem ID-B
New
DNA/RNA Extraction/Purification Kit
Nucleic Acid Extraction or Purification Kit
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
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.