Biochemical markers related to Alzheimer's dementia in serum and cerebrospinal fluid

C. E. Teunissen, J. De Vente, H. W.M. Steinbusch, C. De Bruijn

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

167 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is currently based on clinical and neuropsychological examination. To date there is no blood test available that can discriminate dementia patients from healthy individuals. In the present paper, an overview of the current state of knowledge on biologic markers in serum (plasma) and CSF is presented. The combination of characteristic plaque markers tau and amyloid bèta may constitute a specific and sensitive CSF marker for AD. Glial fibrillary acidic protein and antibodies in CSF may be a marker for severe neurodegeneration. CSF concentrations of the oxidative stress markers 3-nitrotyrosine, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and isoprostanes are increased in AD patients. Serum 24S-OH-cholesterol may be an early whereas glial fibrillary acidic protein autoantibody level may be a late marker for neurodegeneration. To date, serum α1-Antichymotripsin concentration is the most convincing marker for CNS inflammation. Increased serum homocysteine concentrations have also been consistently reported in AD. In summary, a large overlap in mean concentrations has been observed in studies comparing AD patients with healthy controls for single markers. These studies together support the theory of testing several serum markers in combination for the diagnosis of AD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)485-508
Number of pages24
JournalNeurobiology of aging
Volume23
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002

Keywords

  • Biochemical markers
  • CSF
  • Cholesterol
  • Diagnosis of dementia
  • Inflammation
  • Oxidative stress
  • Plaque proteins
  • Plasma
  • Serum
  • Vitamins

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