Several existing diagnostic methods may not help in detecting the degree of synaptic dysfunction – one of the earliest disease alterations that show neuronal damage.
Biomarker in Alzheimer’s Disease
However, the study team has revealed a potential biomarker of damage to synapses (allows communication between neurons). These molecules were discovered in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Finding these indicators is “necessary to know about the progression of the disease, as well as to evaluate new treatments against the neurodegenerative processes it triggers,” says Prof. Fernando Aguado, who led the study.
Several molecular components of dense-core vesicles (DCVs – secrete protein transmitters that are crucial in neuronal activity & synaptic plasticity) in the brain cortex and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer’s were analyzed and then compared by the study team.
“In this study, we have explored the possibility that little-studied secretable components of dense centre vesicles in the brain may be altered in the cerebrospinal fluid and cortical tissue of patients with Alzheimer’s,” says Aguado.
The team also states that further research is needed before the translation of the work into clinical practice.
Source: Medindia
